What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 11:32:08
5 copies available
U.S. only
Assassins Anonymous #3
Three Hitmen and a Baby
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 11:32:08
5 copies available
U.S. only
Welcome back to Assassins Anonymous, where family is everything and danger lurks around every corner.
Assassins Anonymous isn't just a weekly recovery meeting for reformed killers—it's also a family.
When Valencia receives troubling news that her brother has gone missing, she wants rush off to LA to find him. But she can’t bring her baby girl, Lucia. Enter the other members of Assassins Anonymous—Mark, Astrid, and Booker, who offer to watch the toddler while she's gone. After all, they're three of the deadliest, most highly skilled people on the planet; what could go wrong?
Turns out, a lot. Shortly after Valencia leaves, Mark is summoned to the lair of Zmeya, a Russian mob boss calling in a deadly favor—she wants him to kill Astrid, his protege and friend. Mark refuses, but Zmeya reveals that she knows the identity of Mark’s ex-girlfriend . . . and his son. Either Astrid goes, or they do.
Meanwhile, Lucia spikes a dangerously high fever, and when Booker and Astrid take her to urgent care, they realize too late, that their fabricated identities are a real liability. Also, they don't know Valencia’s last name, let alone Lucia's. They can hardly blame the staff for calling the NYPD.
Suddenly the splintered group is on the run from both the Russian mob and the police, dodging bad guys and do-gooders while trying to find refuge in a city full of surveillance cameras—all without killing anyone. That is, until Zmeya captures Sara and Bennett, and Mark is ready to throw his sobriety out the window.
Assassins Anonymous isn't just a weekly recovery meeting for reformed killers—it's also a family.
When Valencia receives troubling news that her brother has gone missing, she wants rush off to LA to find him. But she can’t bring her baby girl, Lucia. Enter the other members of Assassins Anonymous—Mark, Astrid, and Booker, who offer to watch the toddler while she's gone. After all, they're three of the deadliest, most highly skilled people on the planet; what could go wrong?
Turns out, a lot. Shortly after Valencia leaves, Mark is summoned to the lair of Zmeya, a Russian mob boss calling in a deadly favor—she wants him to kill Astrid, his protege and friend. Mark refuses, but Zmeya reveals that she knows the identity of Mark’s ex-girlfriend . . . and his son. Either Astrid goes, or they do.
Meanwhile, Lucia spikes a dangerously high fever, and when Booker and Astrid take her to urgent care, they realize too late, that their fabricated identities are a real liability. Also, they don't know Valencia’s last name, let alone Lucia's. They can hardly blame the staff for calling the NYPD.
Suddenly the splintered group is on the run from both the Russian mob and the police, dodging bad guys and do-gooders while trying to find refuge in a city full of surveillance cameras—all without killing anyone. That is, until Zmeya captures Sara and Bennett, and Mark is ready to throw his sobriety out the window.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 16, 2026
About the author
Rob Hart
61 books1,112 followersRob Hart is the author of the USA TODAY bestseller ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS. He also wrote THE PARADOX HOTEL, which was nominated for. Lambda Literary Award, as well as THE WAREHOUSE, which has been sold in more than 20 countries. He also wrote the Ash McKenna crime series, the short story collection TAKE-OUT, the novella SCOTT FREE with James Patterson, and, with Alex Segura, the comic book BLOOD OATH and the novel DARK SPACE.
His short stories have been published widely, including “Due on Batuu,” set in the Star Wars universe, which appeared in FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and "Take-Out," which appeared in BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES 2018.
He’s worked as a political reporter, the communications director for a politician, and a commissioner for the city of New York. He is the former publisher at MysteriousPress.com and class director at LitReactor. He lives in Jersey City.
His short stories have been published widely, including “Due on Batuu,” set in the Star Wars universe, which appeared in FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and "Take-Out," which appeared in BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES 2018.
He’s worked as a political reporter, the communications director for a politician, and a commissioner for the city of New York. He is the former publisher at MysteriousPress.com and class director at LitReactor. He lives in Jersey City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Want to Read
December 2, 2025MARK IS BACK LET'S GOOOOOO!!
Sat here till release day 🧘♀️
Sat here till release day 🧘♀️
April 24, 2026
⋆˙⟡ ── ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ 5★
ⓘ 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.
This was so good! I read this in one sitting. A quick, easy, action-packed, high stakes, suspenseful, thriller that keeps you on your toes. I didn’t realize this was the third book in a series, but you really don’t even need to read the first two to understand the characters or the story.
The concept of a group of reformed assassins in an “alcoholic’s anonymous” type setting is actually funny, but it’s also a nice way of exploring how people aren’t just who they appear to be on the surface. While I don’t know the growth these characters have gone through since the beginning of the series, it’s not hard to see that they have. The POV ping pongs between two of the characters (Astrid and Mark), but it’s not hard to keep up with at all. In fact, it keeps you engaged to the story as a whole.
ⓘ 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.
This was so good! I read this in one sitting. A quick, easy, action-packed, high stakes, suspenseful, thriller that keeps you on your toes. I didn’t realize this was the third book in a series, but you really don’t even need to read the first two to understand the characters or the story.
The concept of a group of reformed assassins in an “alcoholic’s anonymous” type setting is actually funny, but it’s also a nice way of exploring how people aren’t just who they appear to be on the surface. While I don’t know the growth these characters have gone through since the beginning of the series, it’s not hard to see that they have. The POV ping pongs between two of the characters (Astrid and Mark), but it’s not hard to keep up with at all. In fact, it keeps you engaged to the story as a whole.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mark began the meeting by reciting the creed and Astrid read the twelve steps. Valencia, with her little daughter Lucia, came in late and sat in the circle after parking Lucia on the sofa with a Bluey episode.
When Mark concluded his opening remarks and asked for discussion, Valencia spoke up. She was having a hard time tracking her brother who lived in L.A., a long way from New York City. He seemed to have some dodgy friends who might be leading him into a gang, and Valencia was very worried for his safety. But there was no way she was going to drag her little child into her brother's mess.
Booker, Mark, and Astrid, came up with a solution-they were all seasoned assassins who had given up their jobs after turning their lives around and joining Assassins Anonymous. Valerie figured that she could find her brother in a few days-if she allowed her friends to babysit Lucia, who they all adored, they could help her while working on their amends to the people they harmed. Piece of cake!
Of course they forgot that the "anonymous" part of their relationship meant no last names or real personal knowledge. Valencia left Lucia with the other attendees, and after they successfully brought her to one of their fortified hiding places and fed her lots of pizza, she spiked a very high fever. Since none of them had any parenting skills or ideas of how to treat her, they headed to a close walk-in clinic. The nurse started asking easy questions like Lucia's last name, their relationship to the girl, and her medical history. They had no idea of the answers and had to make a run for it before Lucia was put into state custody, and suddenly their survival skills kicked in big time.
To make things worse, the Russians had it in for Mark and Astrid who blew up the Russian Mafia"s Coney Island restaurant, and they were out for revenge. While the assassins had taken a vow to no longer murder their enemies, they still could use non-lethal force in self-defense. And Mark, aka The Pale Horse, might have been the greatest hitman alive, but he was also a parent, though he'd never met his son. When the assassins find out that Mark's child is being held alongside his mother in a Russian trap, their new "sobriety" is challenged. Must they sacrifice their personal resolve to do better when faced with impossible circumstances, or is there another way to get the job done?
This is the third book in The Assassins Anonymous series, and it's just as good as the first two. Members of the group, skilled, seasoned killers, have made a pledge to turn their lives around after hitting rock bottom, and are determined to keep it. Unfortunately, they haven't been forgotten by the organizations that employed them or by enemies they've made along the way. There is visible growth surrounding the characters in the three books, and it will be interesting to see how Hart will document their further struggles. Down will come baby, cradle and all?
When Mark concluded his opening remarks and asked for discussion, Valencia spoke up. She was having a hard time tracking her brother who lived in L.A., a long way from New York City. He seemed to have some dodgy friends who might be leading him into a gang, and Valencia was very worried for his safety. But there was no way she was going to drag her little child into her brother's mess.
Booker, Mark, and Astrid, came up with a solution-they were all seasoned assassins who had given up their jobs after turning their lives around and joining Assassins Anonymous. Valerie figured that she could find her brother in a few days-if she allowed her friends to babysit Lucia, who they all adored, they could help her while working on their amends to the people they harmed. Piece of cake!
Of course they forgot that the "anonymous" part of their relationship meant no last names or real personal knowledge. Valencia left Lucia with the other attendees, and after they successfully brought her to one of their fortified hiding places and fed her lots of pizza, she spiked a very high fever. Since none of them had any parenting skills or ideas of how to treat her, they headed to a close walk-in clinic. The nurse started asking easy questions like Lucia's last name, their relationship to the girl, and her medical history. They had no idea of the answers and had to make a run for it before Lucia was put into state custody, and suddenly their survival skills kicked in big time.
To make things worse, the Russians had it in for Mark and Astrid who blew up the Russian Mafia"s Coney Island restaurant, and they were out for revenge. While the assassins had taken a vow to no longer murder their enemies, they still could use non-lethal force in self-defense. And Mark, aka The Pale Horse, might have been the greatest hitman alive, but he was also a parent, though he'd never met his son. When the assassins find out that Mark's child is being held alongside his mother in a Russian trap, their new "sobriety" is challenged. Must they sacrifice their personal resolve to do better when faced with impossible circumstances, or is there another way to get the job done?
This is the third book in The Assassins Anonymous series, and it's just as good as the first two. Members of the group, skilled, seasoned killers, have made a pledge to turn their lives around after hitting rock bottom, and are determined to keep it. Unfortunately, they haven't been forgotten by the organizations that employed them or by enemies they've made along the way. There is visible growth surrounding the characters in the three books, and it will be interesting to see how Hart will document their further struggles. Down will come baby, cradle and all?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fast forward three years from the last amazing outing for the Assassins Anonymous gang- former assassins who have all foresworn off further killing and have formed a recovery group to support this decision and to encourage making amends to the families of their victims. Much like Alcohols Anonymous, they have steps to their program, sponsors, and much to emotionally process. Their attempts to stay clear of killing often falls into direct conflict with violent people from their past out to get them.
Mark, the group’s leader after his sponsor Kenji killed and then sacrificed himself to save Mark’s life, has invested in a new secure group meeting space and works hard to hold this “family of choice” together and focused on staying free of killing. Mark, a renown assassin who operated under the code name Pale Horse and worked for a contract group known as the Agency that claimed (falsely it turns out) that their killings were picked for world good, has in turn sponsored another agency staffer Astrid into the group.
Valencia who opted to become a single Mom faces a crisis involving her younger brother in L.A. which her mom has begged to her to sort out. She decides reluctantly she’ll entrust her adorable toddler daughter Lucia to the care of Mark, Astrid and Booker. But immediately as Valencia takes off, two separate crises emerge. Lucia comes down with a fever and when Astrid and Booker take her in the middle of the night to an urgent care, the nurse rightly suspects they’re not her parents as they don’t even know her last name, birthdate or weight. They must escape to take Lucia into hiding and dread Valencia finding out.
Meanwhile, Mark gets called off in the late evening by a text message he refuses to share more about with Astrid and Booker. Turns out that Mark, to locate Astrid in a black ops prison and thus save her life in the group’s last outing, had committed a favor to an elderly Russian powerbroker, known as the Zmeya, and she orders him as that favor to assassinate Astrid. She also threatens Mark’s ex-finance and the son of his she had after splitting up with him and raising as a single mom.
The group has 48 hours to figure out how to keep everyone safe, and to do so without killing anyone, and the breathless action commences. The characters are all so flawed, so endearing and so striving in their efforts to be better people – and you cannot help but root wildly enthusiastically for them all. Plus, each outing reveals more layers of their past histories, their personalities and their vulnerabilities- all of which makes you feel even more connected to them.
Another magnificent Assassins Anonymous adventure!
Thanks to Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
Mark, the group’s leader after his sponsor Kenji killed and then sacrificed himself to save Mark’s life, has invested in a new secure group meeting space and works hard to hold this “family of choice” together and focused on staying free of killing. Mark, a renown assassin who operated under the code name Pale Horse and worked for a contract group known as the Agency that claimed (falsely it turns out) that their killings were picked for world good, has in turn sponsored another agency staffer Astrid into the group.
Valencia who opted to become a single Mom faces a crisis involving her younger brother in L.A. which her mom has begged to her to sort out. She decides reluctantly she’ll entrust her adorable toddler daughter Lucia to the care of Mark, Astrid and Booker. But immediately as Valencia takes off, two separate crises emerge. Lucia comes down with a fever and when Astrid and Booker take her in the middle of the night to an urgent care, the nurse rightly suspects they’re not her parents as they don’t even know her last name, birthdate or weight. They must escape to take Lucia into hiding and dread Valencia finding out.
Meanwhile, Mark gets called off in the late evening by a text message he refuses to share more about with Astrid and Booker. Turns out that Mark, to locate Astrid in a black ops prison and thus save her life in the group’s last outing, had committed a favor to an elderly Russian powerbroker, known as the Zmeya, and she orders him as that favor to assassinate Astrid. She also threatens Mark’s ex-finance and the son of his she had after splitting up with him and raising as a single mom.
The group has 48 hours to figure out how to keep everyone safe, and to do so without killing anyone, and the breathless action commences. The characters are all so flawed, so endearing and so striving in their efforts to be better people – and you cannot help but root wildly enthusiastically for them all. Plus, each outing reveals more layers of their past histories, their personalities and their vulnerabilities- all of which makes you feel even more connected to them.
Another magnificent Assassins Anonymous adventure!
Thanks to Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, come to Assassins Anonymous with Mark, Astrid, Booker, Valencia, and Lucia. The Medusa Protocol by Rob Hart is unique and filled with dark wit, action, and thrills. Valencia receives news that her brother has gone missing. She can’t take her young daughter, Lucia, with her. Mark, Astrid, and Booker agree to watch her while Valencia is in California. What could possibly go wrong?
Mark is summoned by a Russian mob boss, Zmeya, calling in a favor. She wants him to kill someone. This time it’s Astrid. When Mark refuses, Zmeya threatens his ex-girlfriend and son. Meanwhile, Lucia gets a fever and Astrid and Booker take her to a medical clinic. Unfortunately, they don’t know Lucia’s last name. Soon the New York police department is searching for them. While on the run, they try to find a safe place in a city full of surveillance cameras.
The story is told from the points of view of Mark and Astrid. There’s plenty of action in this dynamic story along with non-lethal and lethal weapons. Rob Hart creates dialogue that has readers laughing and engaging with the characters as they fly through the pages. However, it is also full of serious topics as the protagonists are tested. Can they hang onto their sobriety?
The author does a great job of building suspense, developing unique characters, and delivering satisfying plot twists with some surprises along the way. The pace is generally fast and readers are in for a wild ride. However, it seemed to drag in pacing a time or two. Actions have consequences, forgiveness, found family, unlikely friendships, making amends, trust, and more themes run through the story.
Overall, this is an entertaining, suspenseful, and over-the-top action-filled thriller with dark wit, a great sense of place, and a unique premise. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. This novel works as a standalone novel, but readers will get more background and backstories if they start with book one.
Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Rob Hart provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for June 16, 2026.
-------------------------
My 3.87 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Mark is summoned by a Russian mob boss, Zmeya, calling in a favor. She wants him to kill someone. This time it’s Astrid. When Mark refuses, Zmeya threatens his ex-girlfriend and son. Meanwhile, Lucia gets a fever and Astrid and Booker take her to a medical clinic. Unfortunately, they don’t know Lucia’s last name. Soon the New York police department is searching for them. While on the run, they try to find a safe place in a city full of surveillance cameras.
The story is told from the points of view of Mark and Astrid. There’s plenty of action in this dynamic story along with non-lethal and lethal weapons. Rob Hart creates dialogue that has readers laughing and engaging with the characters as they fly through the pages. However, it is also full of serious topics as the protagonists are tested. Can they hang onto their sobriety?
The author does a great job of building suspense, developing unique characters, and delivering satisfying plot twists with some surprises along the way. The pace is generally fast and readers are in for a wild ride. However, it seemed to drag in pacing a time or two. Actions have consequences, forgiveness, found family, unlikely friendships, making amends, trust, and more themes run through the story.
Overall, this is an entertaining, suspenseful, and over-the-top action-filled thriller with dark wit, a great sense of place, and a unique premise. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. This novel works as a standalone novel, but readers will get more background and backstories if they start with book one.
Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Rob Hart provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for June 16, 2026.
-------------------------
My 3.87 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Assassins Anonymous #3
Three Hitmen and a Baby by Rob Hart
Assassins Anonymous is very hard to find and there are fewer members of this type of support group than for most of the others, for many reasons. In book #3 of this series, we've moved about three years after the second book and things have been going pretty well for the very close knit group that Mark leads. This group is family, closer than if related by blood, they'd do anything for each other, and the support is what helps each of the members take one day at a time.
Valencia has even had a baby girl she has named Lucia and all the members love little Lucia, two, going on three. What a cute and smart little kid, you say something and she'll parrot you or get on to you for saying something you shouldn't have said. Thank goodness for Lucia's favorite blue cartoon character because they can plop the headphones on her and set her in front of her tablet so that she doesn't hear the heavy things they need to discuss in meetings.
When Valencia has to fly to another state because her brother is in trouble, Mark, Astrid, and Booker are left to babysit Lucia. Not that they mind at all, they love Lucia and spending time with her. But immediately, something very serious comes up for Mark, then things go downhill for Astrid and Booker and everything falls apart. The adults have so much baggage and that baggage is not of the type to keep a little girl safe. And, being pursued by the Russian mob and the cops won't be the worst of their problems. Valencia is going to kill them for what's been going on while they are babysitting her toddler even though NOT killing is what this group is all about.
This series continues to be funny yet very serious. The friendship and found family aspect of the series is so strong, I don't want this group to ever be broken up although each person has to work their own program one minute at a time to make it work. And with people trying to kill them, not killing others is seeming to be an impossible task. I just love little Lucia and she's lucky to have such dedicated people who will do anything for her.
Thank you to Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for this ARC
Three Hitmen and a Baby by Rob Hart
Assassins Anonymous is very hard to find and there are fewer members of this type of support group than for most of the others, for many reasons. In book #3 of this series, we've moved about three years after the second book and things have been going pretty well for the very close knit group that Mark leads. This group is family, closer than if related by blood, they'd do anything for each other, and the support is what helps each of the members take one day at a time.
Valencia has even had a baby girl she has named Lucia and all the members love little Lucia, two, going on three. What a cute and smart little kid, you say something and she'll parrot you or get on to you for saying something you shouldn't have said. Thank goodness for Lucia's favorite blue cartoon character because they can plop the headphones on her and set her in front of her tablet so that she doesn't hear the heavy things they need to discuss in meetings.
When Valencia has to fly to another state because her brother is in trouble, Mark, Astrid, and Booker are left to babysit Lucia. Not that they mind at all, they love Lucia and spending time with her. But immediately, something very serious comes up for Mark, then things go downhill for Astrid and Booker and everything falls apart. The adults have so much baggage and that baggage is not of the type to keep a little girl safe. And, being pursued by the Russian mob and the cops won't be the worst of their problems. Valencia is going to kill them for what's been going on while they are babysitting her toddler even though NOT killing is what this group is all about.
This series continues to be funny yet very serious. The friendship and found family aspect of the series is so strong, I don't want this group to ever be broken up although each person has to work their own program one minute at a time to make it work. And with people trying to kill them, not killing others is seeming to be an impossible task. I just love little Lucia and she's lucky to have such dedicated people who will do anything for her.
Thank you to Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been following the Assassins Anonymous series since the beginning, and with Three Hitmen and a Baby, Rob Hart returns to his group of reformed killers for what feels like the third and fina installment. The premise is irresistible on paper: three of the world's most dangerous people are left babysitting a toddler while Valencia rushes to LA to find her missing brother. What could go wrong? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
The idea of highly trained assassins being undone by a feverish child is fun, though it does require some suspension of disbelief. These are people who can neutralize a threat in seconds, yet apparently can't think to search online when a toddler spikes a fever?
Hart juggles multiple storylines competently, and the commitment to non-lethal takedowns adds a fun constraint to the action sequences. That said, the tension stretches credulity at times — watching three elite killers repeatedly navigate overwhelming opposition while refusing to use lethal force starts to feel more like a running gag than a genuine thriller element. The series also leans heavily on its established world: newcomers will likely feel lost without the context of the first two books.
Ultimately, Three Hitmen and a Baby feels more like a crowd-pleasing victory lap than a bold new chapter. It's entertaining, fast-paced, and has genuine heart — but it doesn't push the premise anywhere particularly new. If you've loved the series so far, I'd say pick it up. It's an easy, thrilling read that delivers exactly what fans are expecting — no more, no less.
A big thank you to Putnam and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The idea of highly trained assassins being undone by a feverish child is fun, though it does require some suspension of disbelief. These are people who can neutralize a threat in seconds, yet apparently can't think to search online when a toddler spikes a fever?
Hart juggles multiple storylines competently, and the commitment to non-lethal takedowns adds a fun constraint to the action sequences. That said, the tension stretches credulity at times — watching three elite killers repeatedly navigate overwhelming opposition while refusing to use lethal force starts to feel more like a running gag than a genuine thriller element. The series also leans heavily on its established world: newcomers will likely feel lost without the context of the first two books.
Ultimately, Three Hitmen and a Baby feels more like a crowd-pleasing victory lap than a bold new chapter. It's entertaining, fast-paced, and has genuine heart — but it doesn't push the premise anywhere particularly new. If you've loved the series so far, I'd say pick it up. It's an easy, thrilling read that delivers exactly what fans are expecting — no more, no less.
A big thank you to Putnam and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Read
April 27, 2026Thanks to Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced digital ARC.
It's Tuesday so that means it is time for the weekly Assassins Anonymous meeting. New location since their old meeting place was blown up in the last book. The circle has grown a bit and the coffee is better since Astrid sabotaged the "pod" machine. The meeting starts the usual way - but it is soon revealed that Valencia needs to head to California to find her missing brother. However, she needs someone to watch three year old Lucia. Mark, Astrid, and Booker volunteer - after all, they are Lucia's honorary "uncas". (Astrid can't convince her that she is really an aunt...). Valencia heads to the airport and the rest of the crew head to Target to stock up on supplies. If only they had bought something for a fever...
Thus begins another hilarious, thrilling adventure in the lives of our recovering assassins who have agreed to stop killing people. Though shooting them with a nail gun is allowed as long as it isn't a lethal shot. As many others have mentioned, these books have a John Wick feel to them - and I like John Wick. Ergo - I like these books also.
This is the third book in the series and it takes place about two to three years after the last book (based on Lucia's age). As others have mentioned, you could read this as a standalone. The author explains some of what happened in the first two books. But you would miss out on a lot of the details so I recommend reading the other two first.
There were a couple of details that wrapped things up a bit too easily so we'll have to see if Hart decides to unravel those in another book or leave it as it is. I would certainly be willing to take another peek at the characters to see where they end up next.
It's Tuesday so that means it is time for the weekly Assassins Anonymous meeting. New location since their old meeting place was blown up in the last book. The circle has grown a bit and the coffee is better since Astrid sabotaged the "pod" machine. The meeting starts the usual way - but it is soon revealed that Valencia needs to head to California to find her missing brother. However, she needs someone to watch three year old Lucia. Mark, Astrid, and Booker volunteer - after all, they are Lucia's honorary "uncas". (Astrid can't convince her that she is really an aunt...). Valencia heads to the airport and the rest of the crew head to Target to stock up on supplies. If only they had bought something for a fever...
Thus begins another hilarious, thrilling adventure in the lives of our recovering assassins who have agreed to stop killing people. Though shooting them with a nail gun is allowed as long as it isn't a lethal shot. As many others have mentioned, these books have a John Wick feel to them - and I like John Wick. Ergo - I like these books also.
This is the third book in the series and it takes place about two to three years after the last book (based on Lucia's age). As others have mentioned, you could read this as a standalone. The author explains some of what happened in the first two books. But you would miss out on a lot of the details so I recommend reading the other two first.
There were a couple of details that wrapped things up a bit too easily so we'll have to see if Hart decides to unravel those in another book or leave it as it is. I would certainly be willing to take another peek at the characters to see where they end up next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Valencia needs to leave town and tend to a family issue, she asks her three reformed assassin buddies (Mark, Astrid, and Booker) to watch Lucia, her toddler. Lucia spikes a fever, so Astrid and Booker take the child to urgent care. Not knowing pertinent information about Lucia makes the staff believe the child was kidnapped and an Amber Alert is initiated. Meanwhile, the Russian mob tells Mark to murder Astrid or they’ll kill his ex-girlfriend and her son.
Hart has found his stride with the Assassins Anonymous series, infusing each book with thrills, chills, humor, and heart. He keeps the series fresh by exploring how maintaining sobriety, i.e. not killing, raises the stakes, creates internal tension, and increases complexity.
Not only are the main characters in the support group multi-layered and fascinating, the other characters such as mob enforcer Slava, driver Edith, and diner owner/armorer Lulu continue to surprise and delight while enhancing the New York story world. Hart masterfully handles the large cast. Special shout out to Mark’s cat Kittie Smalls (formerly P. Kitty.)
This dual point-of-view installment alternates between Mark and Astrid’s perspectives, which allows for sewing secrets and driving the drama into multiple directions. Hart ends most chapters on a point of tension, creating a page turner.
The dynamics between the characters make the ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS series extra special. I am hoping Hart sells the film rights.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hart has found his stride with the Assassins Anonymous series, infusing each book with thrills, chills, humor, and heart. He keeps the series fresh by exploring how maintaining sobriety, i.e. not killing, raises the stakes, creates internal tension, and increases complexity.
Not only are the main characters in the support group multi-layered and fascinating, the other characters such as mob enforcer Slava, driver Edith, and diner owner/armorer Lulu continue to surprise and delight while enhancing the New York story world. Hart masterfully handles the large cast. Special shout out to Mark’s cat Kittie Smalls (formerly P. Kitty.)
This dual point-of-view installment alternates between Mark and Astrid’s perspectives, which allows for sewing secrets and driving the drama into multiple directions. Hart ends most chapters on a point of tension, creating a page turner.
The dynamics between the characters make the ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS series extra special. I am hoping Hart sells the film rights.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eGalley from NetGalley for an honest review.
Mark, Astrid, and the rest of the recovering assassins are back in Book 3 of Assassins Anonymous, Three Hitmen and a Baby. Valencia needs to deal with a family issue, so she leaves Lucia with Mark, Booker, and Astrid, but things don't go as smoothly as hoped. Lucia spikes a fever, and while at urgent care, Astrid and Booker realize they don't know the required information, causing them to flee and become wanted for kidnapping. Meanwhile, Mark is summoned by the Zmeya, a Russian boss, to kill Astrid (he owes her a favor). If he doesn't, the Zmeya will kill Sara and Bennett, Mark's son. Mark must protect them and his sobriety, but how? Soon, Astrid is ready to turn herself over to the Russians to save Mark, and Booker and Mark are ready to blow up everything to send a message to the Zmeya. All while still taking care of Lucia and hoping Valencia won't kill them all upon her return.
I have read eGalleys of all three Assassins Anonymous books, and I like the premise, but I struggled with the rotating narrator in this one. I think Hart would have been better off either sectioning the novel for Mark and Astrid or writing it in third-person narration. This installment also lacked something, but I'm not sure what exactly. It felt a bit whiny at times, and also self-serving in parts. I wanted more development with both plotlines. If Hart continues with this series, I will continue reading it; I like the premise of it.
Mark, Astrid, and the rest of the recovering assassins are back in Book 3 of Assassins Anonymous, Three Hitmen and a Baby. Valencia needs to deal with a family issue, so she leaves Lucia with Mark, Booker, and Astrid, but things don't go as smoothly as hoped. Lucia spikes a fever, and while at urgent care, Astrid and Booker realize they don't know the required information, causing them to flee and become wanted for kidnapping. Meanwhile, Mark is summoned by the Zmeya, a Russian boss, to kill Astrid (he owes her a favor). If he doesn't, the Zmeya will kill Sara and Bennett, Mark's son. Mark must protect them and his sobriety, but how? Soon, Astrid is ready to turn herself over to the Russians to save Mark, and Booker and Mark are ready to blow up everything to send a message to the Zmeya. All while still taking care of Lucia and hoping Valencia won't kill them all upon her return.
I have read eGalleys of all three Assassins Anonymous books, and I like the premise, but I struggled with the rotating narrator in this one. I think Hart would have been better off either sectioning the novel for Mark and Astrid or writing it in third-person narration. This installment also lacked something, but I'm not sure what exactly. It felt a bit whiny at times, and also self-serving in parts. I wanted more development with both plotlines. If Hart continues with this series, I will continue reading it; I like the premise of it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of Uncorrected eBook Proof
It’s a strange family: Booker, a former mercenary; Valencia, a former covert operator for the CIA; Mark, once known as the Pale Horse, the world’s deadliest assassin; Astrid, once known as Azrael, the Angel of Dath, working with Mark for the Agency.
Now they’re all part of Assassins Anonymous, a recovery group for killers. But someone is after Mark. Are any of them safe?
=========
Third in the author’s Assassins Anonymous series, this story finds Valencia rushing off to Los Angeles to find her missing brother, leaving her daughter, Lucia, in the care of Mark, Astrid, and Booker. Although this is part of a series, there is sufficient backstory for the book to work as a standalone for new readers.
As unlikely as it might seem, these reformed assassins are a family, supporting each other, helping each other. There’s lots of action in this thrilling mystery, but its strength lies in the characters and the family relationships. When Lucia falls ill; they take her to the clinic, where chaos ensure.
With a plot that twists and turns, readers discover some unexpected surprises. The emotion underlying the story pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. It’s thrilling, it’s humorous, it’s both delightful and unputdownable.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Putnam / G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#ThreeHitmenandaBaby #NetGalley
It’s a strange family: Booker, a former mercenary; Valencia, a former covert operator for the CIA; Mark, once known as the Pale Horse, the world’s deadliest assassin; Astrid, once known as Azrael, the Angel of Dath, working with Mark for the Agency.
Now they’re all part of Assassins Anonymous, a recovery group for killers. But someone is after Mark. Are any of them safe?
=========
Third in the author’s Assassins Anonymous series, this story finds Valencia rushing off to Los Angeles to find her missing brother, leaving her daughter, Lucia, in the care of Mark, Astrid, and Booker. Although this is part of a series, there is sufficient backstory for the book to work as a standalone for new readers.
As unlikely as it might seem, these reformed assassins are a family, supporting each other, helping each other. There’s lots of action in this thrilling mystery, but its strength lies in the characters and the family relationships. When Lucia falls ill; they take her to the clinic, where chaos ensure.
With a plot that twists and turns, readers discover some unexpected surprises. The emotion underlying the story pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. It’s thrilling, it’s humorous, it’s both delightful and unputdownable.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Putnam / G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#ThreeHitmenandaBaby #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Assassins Anonymous is an organization for hitmen who wish to reform and cease killing. Joining such a group creates a close camaraderie, even a family, among the members. It also creates perilous situations from the residual effects of their crimes and from dangerous people who may be looking for revenge. When Valencia dashes off to LA to search for her missing brother, she leaves her toddler, Lucia, with the three other members of AA. One of the members, Mark, is summoned by a Russian mob leader, to whom he owes a favor. Meanwhile, Lucia awakens with a high fever. When the other two AA members take her to Urgent Care, they soon realize that they have made a terrible mistake because they don't even know her last name. A mad dash out of the Urgent Care means that the police are now looking for them and the 'kidnapped' child. They are working overtime to hide from the police until Valencia returns and sort outs that situation, while also trying to get Mark out of the jam he's in -- without killing anyone, of course.
This is the second book of this series that I have read and I enjoyed them both. The members of AA use their wits and not bullets (OK, maybe rubber ones) to outsmart the bad guys and it is quite entertaining to see how they will overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, which they always do.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This is the second book of this series that I have read and I enjoyed them both. The members of AA use their wits and not bullets (OK, maybe rubber ones) to outsmart the bad guys and it is quite entertaining to see how they will overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, which they always do.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In THREE HITMEN AND A BABY, by Rob Hart, Assassins Anonymous is a safe place for former killers. It's a place for remorse, rebirth, and support. When one member has to leave to help her family, she asks fellow members to take care of her baby girl until she returns. Unfortunately ghosts of killers former lives tend to have a habit of appearing and making heavy requests, so the group has to balance caring for a little girl and not getting killed or hopefully killing anyone.
Hart has created such a richly complex group of former assassins that jump off the page. Throw in a cute little girl and its a recipe for a fast-paced, heartfelt, and entertaining novel. The complex mind of former killers (and several different types) is something not often covered in a book and to see each character have to balance their past and present in their own unique way is fascinating. The chase scenes are well thought out and the action sequences are full of quick thinking and surprises. I also give credit to the accuracy of the geography of New York City and how it is clearly laid out in the book.
THREE HITMEN AND A BABY was a delight to read. Rob Hart has created the Assassins Anonymous series that I really embrace and I look forward to the opportunity to read the next book.
Thanks to Putnam/GP Putnam's Sons, Rob Hart, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Hart has created such a richly complex group of former assassins that jump off the page. Throw in a cute little girl and its a recipe for a fast-paced, heartfelt, and entertaining novel. The complex mind of former killers (and several different types) is something not often covered in a book and to see each character have to balance their past and present in their own unique way is fascinating. The chase scenes are well thought out and the action sequences are full of quick thinking and surprises. I also give credit to the accuracy of the geography of New York City and how it is clearly laid out in the book.
THREE HITMEN AND A BABY was a delight to read. Rob Hart has created the Assassins Anonymous series that I really embrace and I look forward to the opportunity to read the next book.
Thanks to Putnam/GP Putnam's Sons, Rob Hart, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Three Hitmen and a Baby finds Rob Hart closing out his trilogy with a grin, a gun, and a diaper bag. This is the lightest entry by design, a chaotic victory lap where donuts share table space with bullets, and reformed killers try their hand at babysitting. The setup leans absurd, but Hart’s sharp, fast dialogue and instinct for momentum keep it moving.
There’s a definite Rocky III vibe here. Flashier, looser, more interested in fun than emotional weight. That works… until it doesn’t. The first half coasts a bit too comfortably in its own joke, circling the premise instead of tightening the screws. Once Mark, the Pale Rider, starts questioning his path and Russian mob boss Zmeya enters to stir the pot, the book finally locks in and shows the sharper edge it’s been holding back.
Hart’s voice is the anchor. Clean, punchy, and occasionally cutting deeper than expected. Even when the tone wobbles, the writing lands. This may not hit as hard as Assassins Anonymous or The Medusa Protocol, but it’s still a stylish, blood-spattered sendoff. Not the deepest cut, but a fun, dangerous reminder that Hart’s hitmen still know how to leave a mark.
Read the full review - as well as revisit reviews for the previous two books - on Read @ Joe's, where you don't have to be anonymous.
There’s a definite Rocky III vibe here. Flashier, looser, more interested in fun than emotional weight. That works… until it doesn’t. The first half coasts a bit too comfortably in its own joke, circling the premise instead of tightening the screws. Once Mark, the Pale Rider, starts questioning his path and Russian mob boss Zmeya enters to stir the pot, the book finally locks in and shows the sharper edge it’s been holding back.
Hart’s voice is the anchor. Clean, punchy, and occasionally cutting deeper than expected. Even when the tone wobbles, the writing lands. This may not hit as hard as Assassins Anonymous or The Medusa Protocol, but it’s still a stylish, blood-spattered sendoff. Not the deepest cut, but a fun, dangerous reminder that Hart’s hitmen still know how to leave a mark.
Read the full review - as well as revisit reviews for the previous two books - on Read @ Joe's, where you don't have to be anonymous.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such a fabulous series and such a clever idea. I will admit that there was a little stretch of time in which it felt like I was reading the previous two books yet again, but on steroids. But given my experience with previous books by the author, I pushed past that because I knew I could trust Rob Hart to take the book somewhere novel if I gave him a little time - and rest assured that he did.
He definitely keeps pushing his poor protagonists further and further toward the edge of sanity with the challenges they face in each new book... What keeps me coming back is the way he continually develops those characters, allowing them to take one step forward and two steps back in a way that feels so resonant with real-life change and personal Improvement. I love the increasing involvement of Lucia - she is a delightful foil and provides moments of great poignancy as well as comic relief. She reminds the former assassins of their humanity in a way that nothing else (and no one else) can, and I hope her role continues to expand.
And I *really* like the way this one ended - it's not cliffhangers so much as Promises of Interesting Things To Come, and I am extraordinarily eager to see what is up next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
He definitely keeps pushing his poor protagonists further and further toward the edge of sanity with the challenges they face in each new book... What keeps me coming back is the way he continually develops those characters, allowing them to take one step forward and two steps back in a way that feels so resonant with real-life change and personal Improvement. I love the increasing involvement of Lucia - she is a delightful foil and provides moments of great poignancy as well as comic relief. She reminds the former assassins of their humanity in a way that nothing else (and no one else) can, and I hope her role continues to expand.
And I *really* like the way this one ended - it's not cliffhangers so much as Promises of Interesting Things To Come, and I am extraordinarily eager to see what is up next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.
Valencia has to run a errand that a toddler just can't go on; but Mark, Booker, and Astrid can totally take care of Lucia for a couple of days, right? Wrong. Zmeya calls in her favor with Mark on the same night that Lucia comes down with a fever and, in a panic, Astrid and Booker take her to a clinic, without even knowing her last name or birth date. Of course, they call the police.
This series is so fun, it's crazy how much I love this group of reforming assassins. Lucia is the cutest addition to the family, and I nearly cried when I discovered who Mark's new sponsor/sponsee was. This book was super fast paced, and I never once got bored. I really enjoyed getting to actually meet Sara (not just through flashbacks), I hope we get more of her in the future. I think my biggest, and only, issue with this book was how one child witha fever could so completely decimate any brain cells these extraordinarily smart people have. Not once did they think, maybe we should just CALL a clinic to see what they recommend before walking in. Not even a Google search.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. I hope the series continues, I will be reading every one published!
Valencia has to run a errand that a toddler just can't go on; but Mark, Booker, and Astrid can totally take care of Lucia for a couple of days, right? Wrong. Zmeya calls in her favor with Mark on the same night that Lucia comes down with a fever and, in a panic, Astrid and Booker take her to a clinic, without even knowing her last name or birth date. Of course, they call the police.
This series is so fun, it's crazy how much I love this group of reforming assassins. Lucia is the cutest addition to the family, and I nearly cried when I discovered who Mark's new sponsor/sponsee was. This book was super fast paced, and I never once got bored. I really enjoyed getting to actually meet Sara (not just through flashbacks), I hope we get more of her in the future. I think my biggest, and only, issue with this book was how one child witha fever could so completely decimate any brain cells these extraordinarily smart people have. Not once did they think, maybe we should just CALL a clinic to see what they recommend before walking in. Not even a Google search.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. I hope the series continues, I will be reading every one published!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Three Hitmen and a Baby” by Rob Hart is an absolute joy to read. As a devoted fan of this series, I have fallen in love with this madcap group of reformed assassins who continue to look for ways to reign victorious without using lethal weapons.
In this installment, one of the members of Assassin’s Anonymous, a recovery group for reformed killers, has to go to LA to save a family member from a notorious gang. She has no option other than to leave her three year old daughter with the remaining members of the group. As you would expect, everything goes haywire when the child spikes a high fever and they are forced to take her to urgent care.
As unlikely as it seems, these reformed assassins are a family, supporting and helping each other. As they run from both the Russian Mob and NYPD, there are many twists and turns and a lot of panic driven action. The strength of this series lies with its characters and their relationships, in addition to the nonstop action and humor.
I loved this new book from one of my must read authors, it was unputdownable!
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Three Hitmen and a Baby by Rob Hart is the newest installment in the Assassins Anonymous series. Having read the earlier books, I think starting from the beginning helps readers appreciate the group’s history and relationships. The series follows a support group for former contract killers who have formed a close, family‑like bond.
In this book, Mark, Astrid, and Booker are taking care of Valencia’s baby, Lucia. This setup creates humor through the contrast between the child and the group’s past lives. At the same time, Astrid is under pressure from a Russian crime figure and tries to involve Mark, making it difficult for the group to stay ahead of the danger. Their situation becomes more complicated when Booker and Astrid draw the attention of the NYPD.
The story mixes comedic moments with action as the group tries to avoid both the police and the criminal threat. The ongoing challenge of reformed killers trying to solve problems without resorting to violence adds an engaging twist, especially as their past choices continue to follow them.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
In this book, Mark, Astrid, and Booker are taking care of Valencia’s baby, Lucia. This setup creates humor through the contrast between the child and the group’s past lives. At the same time, Astrid is under pressure from a Russian crime figure and tries to involve Mark, making it difficult for the group to stay ahead of the danger. Their situation becomes more complicated when Booker and Astrid draw the attention of the NYPD.
The story mixes comedic moments with action as the group tries to avoid both the police and the criminal threat. The ongoing challenge of reformed killers trying to solve problems without resorting to violence adds an engaging twist, especially as their past choices continue to follow them.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“I get it. We’re all trying to punish ourselves because we think we deserve punishment. And maybe we do, for the things we did. But we’re all trying. We all want to be better. That’s got to mean something. For ourselves and for each other.”
…
“Just . . . that’s literally in the John Wick movies,” he says.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam books for sending me an ARC of Three Hitmen and a Baby in exchange for an honest review.
The Goodreads description of this book tells you everything you need to know about this story—honestly, it probably says much too much—so I’ll jump directly to my thoughts.
Three Hitmen and a Baby takes place about three years after the end of the second book in this series, The Medusa Protocol. All the characters who survived that story are back here, with a few new ones thrown in. As with Assassins Anonymous and The Medusa Protocol, Three Hitmen and a Baby works as an entertaining thriller with a growing cast of characters to care about. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. Another fast, funny, entertaining entry in the series. Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Three Hitmen and a Baby is the third in the Assassins Anonymous series. And this is one where it’s not wise to try this as a stand-alone.
Mark, Astrid and Booker think they’re doing Valencia a favor when they agree to babysit Lucia when Valencia has to go out west. But within hours, they are up to their eyeballs in serious trouble running from both the Russian mob and the NYPD. It doesn’t help that Mark’s son has been threatened if he doesn’t kill Astrid. (All this is in the blurb which probably goes overboard in detailing the plot.)
Hart manages to combine fast paced plotting with humor. This ranks high on thrills and entertainment and low on believability. But it also has a lot to say about forgiveness, atonement, grace and the ability to change. I find it so admirable that Hart has managed to make these ex-assassins into sympathetic characters. Their self doubt and self loathing mirror things we all feel at times. Think of it as a thriller with heart.
My thanks to Netgalley and Putnam for an advance copy of this book.
Mark, Astrid and Booker think they’re doing Valencia a favor when they agree to babysit Lucia when Valencia has to go out west. But within hours, they are up to their eyeballs in serious trouble running from both the Russian mob and the NYPD. It doesn’t help that Mark’s son has been threatened if he doesn’t kill Astrid. (All this is in the blurb which probably goes overboard in detailing the plot.)
Hart manages to combine fast paced plotting with humor. This ranks high on thrills and entertainment and low on believability. But it also has a lot to say about forgiveness, atonement, grace and the ability to change. I find it so admirable that Hart has managed to make these ex-assassins into sympathetic characters. Their self doubt and self loathing mirror things we all feel at times. Think of it as a thriller with heart.
My thanks to Netgalley and Putnam for an advance copy of this book.
April 23, 2026
Free eARC provided by netgalley and the publisher for reviewing purposes!
Okay, this series is so fun. I’ve seen other books with similar premises (hitmen gone straight) but Rob Hart’s writing and character voices and personalities are so strong and unique and complex. I loved the first book, the second one a little less, and I was worried we were going to get a book for each member of assassins anonymous telling each of their stories, which would have been fine but maybe a little tedious. This did not do that. This (I think) is the series finale and it does a great job tying up Mark’s and Astrid’s stories from the first book. It brings in all our favorite characters and (without revealing too much) gives a satisfying ending with a little bit of an opening for more someday in the future.
These books are violent, funny, and super engrossing- I always read them in one sitting and sometimes stay up past my bedtime to finish them.
Overall, Rob Hart’s writing stuck the landing and I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good time with reformed assassins which still kick ass, found family vibes and a surprisingly strong emotional core.
Okay, this series is so fun. I’ve seen other books with similar premises (hitmen gone straight) but Rob Hart’s writing and character voices and personalities are so strong and unique and complex. I loved the first book, the second one a little less, and I was worried we were going to get a book for each member of assassins anonymous telling each of their stories, which would have been fine but maybe a little tedious. This did not do that. This (I think) is the series finale and it does a great job tying up Mark’s and Astrid’s stories from the first book. It brings in all our favorite characters and (without revealing too much) gives a satisfying ending with a little bit of an opening for more someday in the future.
These books are violent, funny, and super engrossing- I always read them in one sitting and sometimes stay up past my bedtime to finish them.
Overall, Rob Hart’s writing stuck the landing and I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good time with reformed assassins which still kick ass, found family vibes and a surprisingly strong emotional core.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's a little weird that a book series about a group of former assassins in recovery is a comfort read for me, but we live in weird times.
Our erstwhile assassins are still working the steps, making amends, and trying to get right with their consciences. But some poor decision making complicates their lives more than usual.
This series is an unusual look at recovery from addiction, disguised as an action-packed thriller. Aside from the characters' previous vocation, they are relatable and very human. I look forward to spending more time with these characters as they struggle to hold on to their "sobriety".
Don't let the fact that this is a series stop you from reading this book. I actually read the 2nd in the series first, not realizing that it was a series. The author does a great job filling you in on just enough of what you need to know about prior actions and leaving out enough to make going back to prior books enjoyable.
Our erstwhile assassins are still working the steps, making amends, and trying to get right with their consciences. But some poor decision making complicates their lives more than usual.
This series is an unusual look at recovery from addiction, disguised as an action-packed thriller. Aside from the characters' previous vocation, they are relatable and very human. I look forward to spending more time with these characters as they struggle to hold on to their "sobriety".
Don't let the fact that this is a series stop you from reading this book. I actually read the 2nd in the series first, not realizing that it was a series. The author does a great job filling you in on just enough of what you need to know about prior actions and leaving out enough to make going back to prior books enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was pure chaos in the best way. It was a 3.5 star read for me.
Three extremely deadly, highly competent people are handed a task that should be simple by comparison, and it renders them completely inept. Anything that can go wrong does go wrong, and then it escalates over and over again.
Sometimes dark, often unhinged, and genuinely funny, this was a short read that hit my reading slump at exactly the right moment. It works perfectly as a palate cleanser: absurd, fast paced, and wildly entertaining.
Booker, Astrid, and Mark are put in charge of Lucia, and the story follows the chaotic ordeal they find themselves in as they confront their past traumas as former assassins and the darker aspects of that life. The story is told through Astrid’s and Mark’s POVs.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Three extremely deadly, highly competent people are handed a task that should be simple by comparison, and it renders them completely inept. Anything that can go wrong does go wrong, and then it escalates over and over again.
Sometimes dark, often unhinged, and genuinely funny, this was a short read that hit my reading slump at exactly the right moment. It works perfectly as a palate cleanser: absurd, fast paced, and wildly entertaining.
Booker, Astrid, and Mark are put in charge of Lucia, and the story follows the chaotic ordeal they find themselves in as they confront their past traumas as former assassins and the darker aspects of that life. The story is told through Astrid’s and Mark’s POVs.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Three Hitman and a Baby is the 3rd and final book in the Assassins Anonymous series. This book brings you back to NY with the original cast of characters as more of their past catches up to them (specifically Mark).
This story captured that same essence that the first book had and what I felt the second book was missing. It is a fun world to be in when all of the characters are working together to uphold their sobriety and are faced with the internal struggles of being a former killer.
I loved everything about this book and it wrapped up the series in a great way. Rob Hart does a good job of briefly recapping past events that you could read this as a stand alone and not miss out on much but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you chose not to read the book that started this: Assassins Anonymous. An underrated series if you are looking for a mostly lighthearted thriller.
This story captured that same essence that the first book had and what I felt the second book was missing. It is a fun world to be in when all of the characters are working together to uphold their sobriety and are faced with the internal struggles of being a former killer.
I loved everything about this book and it wrapped up the series in a great way. Rob Hart does a good job of briefly recapping past events that you could read this as a stand alone and not miss out on much but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you chose not to read the book that started this: Assassins Anonymous. An underrated series if you are looking for a mostly lighthearted thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for this advanced review copy.
First off, I loved it, just as I loved the first two books in this series. While you can read this book without having read those two, I'd recommend picking them up, because they're great books.
Your protagonists are Mark and Astrid, retired assassins in recovery with several of their friends, who are also in/out of the game. And, as you would expect, there are plenty of people who have problems with retired assassins, starting with the cops and extending all the way through the mob.
If you're looking for a fast paced romp with a lot of heart (and heart felt moments) and don't mind the occasional fight scene and armory round up, then do yourself a favor and pick up this series. I've yet to find a Rob Hart book I haven't loved.
First off, I loved it, just as I loved the first two books in this series. While you can read this book without having read those two, I'd recommend picking them up, because they're great books.
Your protagonists are Mark and Astrid, retired assassins in recovery with several of their friends, who are also in/out of the game. And, as you would expect, there are plenty of people who have problems with retired assassins, starting with the cops and extending all the way through the mob.
If you're looking for a fast paced romp with a lot of heart (and heart felt moments) and don't mind the occasional fight scene and armory round up, then do yourself a favor and pick up this series. I've yet to find a Rob Hart book I haven't loved.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a story of family, not one you're born into but one you create. Assassins Anonymous is such a family, and when the family is threatened, they react in the most non-lethal way possible. I so enjoy this group of recovering assassins, the family dynamics are hilarious, the situations they get themselves into are action packed even without using deadly force, and the writing shows how much they mean to each other. The descriptions of the escape hatches, the weapons they use, the ribbing and all the friends in low places they have are engaging and fun to read. It would be scary to have their skills or see them use their skills but the author does a great job of showing how they can empathize, how they genuinely care not just about their family but about those they surround themselves with. Great story, fun characters, hilarious antics, what's not to like!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Assassins Anonymous is back with more challenges for the bonded crew. Mark leads the group in its opening meeting but needs to leave abruptly which raises concerns among the group. Meanwhile, Valencia must go out to the West Coast on an urgent family matter. That leaves her toddler, Lucia, in the inexperienced hands of the remaining assassins. What seems like a situation that could become humorous quickly morphs into problems when Lucia spikes a fever. The incapable but resourceful group then springs into action while simultaneously realizing that Mark may have truly serious problems that he is unwilling to share. But why? He needs to trust the very people he may be putting in harm’s way physically and with all their newly gained sacred sobriety suddenly at risk. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If the ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS books have no fans, I am dead. I feel like these books don’t have any buzz… they are SO FUN! As I read them, I’m always like ‘This could be a John Wick or Jason Statham movie’… and then it goes and gets all meta and namedrops them. Anyway, they’re the ultimate popcorn books for me.
This time, the gang has to watch a kid. And everything goes just as you expect — it’s fun, it’s funny, until you get the good bit of drama/angst that comes with being a recovering assassin.
Is it pretty much just more of the same? Yeah. But ‘the same’ is good, so I’ll take it. I love these characters and this ‘family’ they’ve made. I highly recommend these books to people who just want an escapist kind of Popcorn Novel. And I’m sure they’ll keep delivering….
This time, the gang has to watch a kid. And everything goes just as you expect — it’s fun, it’s funny, until you get the good bit of drama/angst that comes with being a recovering assassin.
Is it pretty much just more of the same? Yeah. But ‘the same’ is good, so I’ll take it. I love these characters and this ‘family’ they’ve made. I highly recommend these books to people who just want an escapist kind of Popcorn Novel. And I’m sure they’ll keep delivering….
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Valencia rushes off to LA to find her missing brother, Mark, Astrid and Booker watch over Her baby girl Lucia. Mark is called by a Russian mob boss who he owes a favor to. His task is to kill Astrid or his former girlfriend and their son will suffer the consequences. Is there a way for Mark to keep the two safe without killing Astrid? To complicate matters, Lucia develops a high fever which ends up with a visit to emergency care and Astrid and Booker being accused of kidnapping/trafficking Lucia. On the run from the police and trying to stay one step ahead of their enemies., their desire not to return to their careers as assassins will be tested. Strong characters who support each other in the desire not to kill.
#ThreeHitmenandaBaby Putnam #GPPutnamsSons#NetGalley
#ThreeHitmenandaBaby Putnam #GPPutnamsSons#NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5⭐️ This series has been such a fun surprise — it has so much heart, especially for a story about killers in remission. In this installment, the reformed assassins are caring for a three-year-old, and when she gets sick and they take her to a clinic, being recognized sets off absolute chaos.
It’s a super fast-paced, easy read, and honestly I wish every book in this series were longer. I love the found family dynamic so much. Each story is layered with emotion and backstory that really adds depth to these characters — there were a few scenes that genuinely made me tear up. And I’m really hoping we get more of Mark in future books!
Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam for this ARC!
It’s a super fast-paced, easy read, and honestly I wish every book in this series were longer. I love the found family dynamic so much. Each story is layered with emotion and backstory that really adds depth to these characters — there were a few scenes that genuinely made me tear up. And I’m really hoping we get more of Mark in future books!
Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam for this ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews