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Assassins Anonymous #3
Three Hitmen and a Baby
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.
Audible Audio
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
Rob Hart
60 books1,190 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.
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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.
Pub June 16, 2026
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.
Pub June 16, 2026
Thank you to Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for this ARC
December 2, 2025
One thing you can take away from this book is that a child spiking a fever will absolutely ruin your whole day/ week😅 I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE 😭
This may be odd to say, but this series about assassins in a recovery group called Assassin's Anonymous is so comforting to me😅
Mark continues to be such a complex character.. he killed more than 100 people but.. I can fix him😌 If you like the John Wick movies, you will love this series! Book 1 continues to be my favorite but this was very entertaining as well!
Excited for the next installment and possibly an upcoming movie adaptation????
___________________________________________________________
pre-read
MARK IS BACK LET'S GOOOOOO!!
This may be odd to say, but this series about assassins in a recovery group called Assassin's Anonymous is so comforting to me😅
Mark continues to be such a complex character.. he killed more than 100 people but.. I can fix him😌 If you like the John Wick movies, you will love this series! Book 1 continues to be my favorite but this was very entertaining as well!
Excited for the next installment and possibly an upcoming movie adaptation????
___________________________________________________________
pre-read
MARK IS BACK LET'S GOOOOOO!!
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.
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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
5 Stars!
Three books in and this series just keeps getting better and better.
Mark, Astrid, and the gang are in a good place. They’re thriving in their recovery, continuing to make amends, and supporting each other in their daily struggles to remain murder free. When one of them has to make a quick trip, who else would their child be safe with than three former killers??
The thing is, former killers always have to watch their back, forever looking after their shoulder for the past is truly never gone. Thus, when an owed favor is called in for Mark, many tough decisions must be quickly made to find a way out of a very impossible situation all the while staying “sober” and keeping a 2 year old from the crossfire.
Perhaps previous books may have been just a tad bit bogged down by setting up the stories and background, but this 3rd installment shows Hart has hit his stride with these characters. Never a dull moment, full of propulsive action and fight scenes, this kept the thoughtful painful existential angst amongst the nonstop challenges and roadblocks that keep on coming.
If this isn’t a ringing endorsement for one to continue reading this series or to simply start where it all began with Assassins Anonymous, then I don’t know what is. It’s obvious I loved this. Funny, emotional, and just really well rounded entertainment, bringing a complex John Wick-esque vibe that makes this world go round.
My only wish is that Hart continues the adventures of this found family, introducing more and more zany crazy hurting killers into their fold to fight the bad guys and their own personal demons. However, if this is the final book, I can safely say it ended with a quintessential bittersweet win I could ever wish for these characters. I just hope I don’t have to say goodbye.
Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley for a copy to review honestly
Assassins Anonymous Series
1. Assassins Anonymous - 4.5 Stars
2. The Medusa Protocol - 4.5 Stars
3. Three Hitmen and a Baby - 5 Stars
Three books in and this series just keeps getting better and better.
Mark, Astrid, and the gang are in a good place. They’re thriving in their recovery, continuing to make amends, and supporting each other in their daily struggles to remain murder free. When one of them has to make a quick trip, who else would their child be safe with than three former killers??
The thing is, former killers always have to watch their back, forever looking after their shoulder for the past is truly never gone. Thus, when an owed favor is called in for Mark, many tough decisions must be quickly made to find a way out of a very impossible situation all the while staying “sober” and keeping a 2 year old from the crossfire.
Perhaps previous books may have been just a tad bit bogged down by setting up the stories and background, but this 3rd installment shows Hart has hit his stride with these characters. Never a dull moment, full of propulsive action and fight scenes, this kept the thoughtful painful existential angst amongst the nonstop challenges and roadblocks that keep on coming.
If this isn’t a ringing endorsement for one to continue reading this series or to simply start where it all began with Assassins Anonymous, then I don’t know what is. It’s obvious I loved this. Funny, emotional, and just really well rounded entertainment, bringing a complex John Wick-esque vibe that makes this world go round.
My only wish is that Hart continues the adventures of this found family, introducing more and more zany crazy hurting killers into their fold to fight the bad guys and their own personal demons. However, if this is the final book, I can safely say it ended with a quintessential bittersweet win I could ever wish for these characters. I just hope I don’t have to say goodbye.
Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley for a copy to review honestly
Assassins Anonymous Series
1. Assassins Anonymous - 4.5 Stars
2. The Medusa Protocol - 4.5 Stars
3. Three Hitmen and a Baby - 5 Stars
June 12, 2026
I really enjoy this suspense series with its unique concept: professional assassins who want to give up that life and enter an AA-type program. It has drama and excitement and lots of heart. I highly recommend the series for some entertaining summer reading but do start with book #1, Assassins Anonymous, for the full character and plot development.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Update 6/16/26: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
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.
“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.
June 28, 2026
In this third installment of the Assassin’s Anonymous group, several of the members are tasked with babysitting a toddler. Soon, following a series of poor decisions and dumb mistakes, the entire gang of former hitmen find themselves pursued by the police and an assortment of Russian gangsters. As the noose around them tightens, this unique 12-step group begins looking for a way that they can keep out of trouble without losing their sobriety by killing someone.
While I enjoyed the first part of this novel, I felt it began to drag a little before the book’s midpoint. Indeed, every chapter seemed to end with the roof caving in on the 12-step protagonists; and, then, miraculously, there would be some sort of “escape door” appearing out of nowhere. Aside from the beer truck that whisked several of them around an NYPD city dragnet, there was the unexpected merchant ship that took the same group to safer ground up the coast, as well as a secret tunnel under an apartment that led to Chinatown. All in all, this predictable scenario took away from the overall story.
Despite enjoying the first two books of this series, I found the “Three Hitmen” to be a more tedious read.
While I enjoyed the first part of this novel, I felt it began to drag a little before the book’s midpoint. Indeed, every chapter seemed to end with the roof caving in on the 12-step protagonists; and, then, miraculously, there would be some sort of “escape door” appearing out of nowhere. Aside from the beer truck that whisked several of them around an NYPD city dragnet, there was the unexpected merchant ship that took the same group to safer ground up the coast, as well as a secret tunnel under an apartment that led to Chinatown. All in all, this predictable scenario took away from the overall story.
Despite enjoying the first two books of this series, I found the “Three Hitmen” to be a more tedious read.
May 30, 2026
Long live Kitty Smalls!
September 25, 2026
Real Rating: 3.25* of five
The Publisher Says: 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.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I lost steam, lost the thread, lost my sense of humor...SOMEthing happened to reduce my enjoyment of the silliness of this series to a new low. Maybe it's the baby's fever...?
Whatever it was I chuckled a couple times early on then sat stonefaced in front of my Kindle flipping pages with no trace of a smile, no moment of rib-tickling daffy fun I could see on my mental TV screen.
G.P. Putnam's Sons requires $14.99 to completely transfer you a reading license that they can revoke at any time, for any reason. At least the library isn't capricious. (see? humorless)
The Publisher Says: 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.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I lost steam, lost the thread, lost my sense of humor...SOMEthing happened to reduce my enjoyment of the silliness of this series to a new low. Maybe it's the baby's fever...?
Whatever it was I chuckled a couple times early on then sat stonefaced in front of my Kindle flipping pages with no trace of a smile, no moment of rib-tickling daffy fun I could see on my mental TV screen.
G.P. Putnam's Sons requires $14.99 to completely transfer you a reading license that they can revoke at any time, for any reason. At least the library isn't capricious. (see? humorless)
April 23, 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.
July 3, 2026
Absolute banger of a book! My favorite of the series so far, and that is saying a lot because I’ve loved them all. The characters were fabulous as always, the plot was exciting, and I just couldn’t put the thing down. The subject is dark, but the humor and heart throughout make this series so very readable. In fact, I read it in one sitting, and cannot wait for the next book! At this point, Rob Hart can just take all my money, really.
June 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for a free review copy.
This is the third book in the Assassins Anonymous series. The series follows Mark and a group of friends who are ex-assassins committed to a life without killing. You don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but I do recommend it. The relationships between the characters have strengthened due to the high stress situations they experience together.
This story is told in first person alternating chapters between Mark and Astrid. Fellow Assassin’s Anonymous member Valencia has received a message that her brother is in trouble with a bad crowd in LA and she needs to go help him, but she doesn’t have childcare for her toddler, Lucia. Mark volunteers himself as well as Astrid and Booker to look after Lucia while she takes care of business. Things blow up when Mark has an old favor called in by a Russian mob boss while Astrid and Booker take a feverish Lucia to urgent care without key information about her family which leads to the staff calling the cops on them believing they kidnapped the child.
Once again, the members of Assassins Anonymous are under attack on all fronts and now they have a toddler to protect in their midst along with their sobriety. It’s a fast-paced adventure through the streets of New York City and beyond, and it will require the members of this group to use all their skills to make it out alive, toddler and all. I love the camaraderie of this group. Their extreme experiences and pasts give them a special connection to see them through highly charged situations.
Recommended for the fast-paced entertaining story and the fun characters.
This is the third book in the Assassins Anonymous series. The series follows Mark and a group of friends who are ex-assassins committed to a life without killing. You don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but I do recommend it. The relationships between the characters have strengthened due to the high stress situations they experience together.
This story is told in first person alternating chapters between Mark and Astrid. Fellow Assassin’s Anonymous member Valencia has received a message that her brother is in trouble with a bad crowd in LA and she needs to go help him, but she doesn’t have childcare for her toddler, Lucia. Mark volunteers himself as well as Astrid and Booker to look after Lucia while she takes care of business. Things blow up when Mark has an old favor called in by a Russian mob boss while Astrid and Booker take a feverish Lucia to urgent care without key information about her family which leads to the staff calling the cops on them believing they kidnapped the child.
Once again, the members of Assassins Anonymous are under attack on all fronts and now they have a toddler to protect in their midst along with their sobriety. It’s a fast-paced adventure through the streets of New York City and beyond, and it will require the members of this group to use all their skills to make it out alive, toddler and all. I love the camaraderie of this group. Their extreme experiences and pasts give them a special connection to see them through highly charged situations.
Recommended for the fast-paced entertaining story and the fun characters.
June 21, 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader. If you like this post, you might like others on that site. Consider checking it out!
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What's Three Hitmen and a Baby About?
After the events of The Medusa Protocol, things have really settled down for the members of the recovery group. Up until the events of this novel, of course. Valencia gets word of some family trouble in California, and she needs to go help—but she can't take her three-year-old with her. So Mark, Booker, and Astrid, her "uncles" (yes, even Astrid—Lucia's not so great with gender concepts), volunteer to watch her. How hard could it be?
Spoken like people who haven't spent that much time on their own with a toddler. Incidentally, 12-Step rules or not. If you're going to watch someone's child for a few days—you'd better know their last name. Our trio learns that the hard way. I'll leave it at that.
At the same time, one debt that Mark owes a Russian mobster becomes due. They (on behalf of someone else) want Astrid dead. And who better to take care of that than her friend, Mark. They don't care that Mark isn't killing anymore, and they'd care even less to learn that Mark was her sponsor. And you don't have to be a Friend of Bill to know that the relationship between sponsor and sponsee isn't supposed to be ended with a murder. Then again, the mobster knows about Mark's ex- and their child. So, he does have two compelling reasons to throw his sobriety out the window.
All in all, these three (ex-)hitman have quite the struggle.
Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?
I can't imagine stopping this series now. When the publicist emailed me about the book, I jumped on it without thinking.
I kept going because the story wouldn't let me go. We get the comedy of these (former) professional killers being utterly inept when it comes to taking care of a toddler. And then this between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place that Mark finds himself in.
What's the Underlying Theme?
This book is about a couple of things at the core—there's the found-family connection between the members of this group—and a couple of other people they've collectively added along the way. But that's something that's been part of this series from the beginning (and will almost certainly continue to be).
The other core of this book is making amends. Step 9 of Assassin's Anonymous—like all 12-Step Programs—is making amends. Now, it's impossible to make amends to those they've killed. So they've each had to come up with ways to do that. Sometimes, it's service. Sometimes, it's talking to loved ones of the victim.
Not only do we see some attempts at amends to victims. We also see the toll that not being able to make them takes on members of the group. The nightmares, the way they're haunted not by their past sins but their inability to do anything to ameliorate the situation or amend for them.
So, what did I think about Three Hitmen and a Baby?
I had a blast with this—and I'm having a hard time coming up with new things to say about this series (seriously, this would've been posted a week ago otherwise).
I do think this is slightly more successful than The Medusa Protocol overall, which is not to cast aspersions on book two. There's less globe-trotting in this book than in either previous book, but that doesn't keep the cast from being international. It just ramps up the pacing. This all happens in a much more contained period of time, keeping the pressure on throughout. There's little downtime or breathing room (and most of that involves entertaining a three-year-old).
Hart really has the balancing act between light-hearted moments, soul-searing introspection/disclosure, and action down pat. The jokes about John Wick and other action films keep coming and haven't lost their punch. There's a great scene where Mark and Booker talk about their preferred entertainment and critique action tropes that I've read at least three times, just to watch Hart fill out these characters a bit (particularly Booker, we know Mark well enough now).
The way this one resolved was rewarding both plot-wise and character-wise, and did set up book four in a pretty solid manner, too.
This one really shouldn't be missed, my friends/readers/utter strangers who happen to see this.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader. If you like this post, you might like others on that site. Consider checking it out!
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What's Three Hitmen and a Baby About?
After the events of The Medusa Protocol, things have really settled down for the members of the recovery group. Up until the events of this novel, of course. Valencia gets word of some family trouble in California, and she needs to go help—but she can't take her three-year-old with her. So Mark, Booker, and Astrid, her "uncles" (yes, even Astrid—Lucia's not so great with gender concepts), volunteer to watch her. How hard could it be?
Spoken like people who haven't spent that much time on their own with a toddler. Incidentally, 12-Step rules or not. If you're going to watch someone's child for a few days—you'd better know their last name. Our trio learns that the hard way. I'll leave it at that.
At the same time, one debt that Mark owes a Russian mobster becomes due. They (on behalf of someone else) want Astrid dead. And who better to take care of that than her friend, Mark. They don't care that Mark isn't killing anymore, and they'd care even less to learn that Mark was her sponsor. And you don't have to be a Friend of Bill to know that the relationship between sponsor and sponsee isn't supposed to be ended with a murder. Then again, the mobster knows about Mark's ex- and their child. So, he does have two compelling reasons to throw his sobriety out the window.
All in all, these three (ex-)hitman have quite the struggle.
Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?
I can't imagine stopping this series now. When the publicist emailed me about the book, I jumped on it without thinking.
I kept going because the story wouldn't let me go. We get the comedy of these (former) professional killers being utterly inept when it comes to taking care of a toddler. And then this between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place that Mark finds himself in.
What's the Underlying Theme?
This book is about a couple of things at the core—there's the found-family connection between the members of this group—and a couple of other people they've collectively added along the way. But that's something that's been part of this series from the beginning (and will almost certainly continue to be).
The other core of this book is making amends. Step 9 of Assassin's Anonymous—like all 12-Step Programs—is making amends. Now, it's impossible to make amends to those they've killed. So they've each had to come up with ways to do that. Sometimes, it's service. Sometimes, it's talking to loved ones of the victim.
Not only do we see some attempts at amends to victims. We also see the toll that not being able to make them takes on members of the group. The nightmares, the way they're haunted not by their past sins but their inability to do anything to ameliorate the situation or amend for them.
So, what did I think about Three Hitmen and a Baby?
I had a blast with this—and I'm having a hard time coming up with new things to say about this series (seriously, this would've been posted a week ago otherwise).
I do think this is slightly more successful than The Medusa Protocol overall, which is not to cast aspersions on book two. There's less globe-trotting in this book than in either previous book, but that doesn't keep the cast from being international. It just ramps up the pacing. This all happens in a much more contained period of time, keeping the pressure on throughout. There's little downtime or breathing room (and most of that involves entertaining a three-year-old).
Hart really has the balancing act between light-hearted moments, soul-searing introspection/disclosure, and action down pat. The jokes about John Wick and other action films keep coming and haven't lost their punch. There's a great scene where Mark and Booker talk about their preferred entertainment and critique action tropes that I've read at least three times, just to watch Hart fill out these characters a bit (particularly Booker, we know Mark well enough now).
The way this one resolved was rewarding both plot-wise and character-wise, and did set up book four in a pretty solid manner, too.
This one really shouldn't be missed, my friends/readers/utter strangers who happen to see this.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.
July 2, 2026
I really do love this series so much. It's heartfelt in the weirdest way, as well as excellent crime fiction. You really come to love the characters with each entry, and the story beat of sobriety among killers is implemented so well.
Mr. Hart please write as many of these as publishers will allow, and please please please give us a book from Booker and Valencia's POV.
Mr. Hart please write as many of these as publishers will allow, and please please please give us a book from Booker and Valencia's POV.
June 16, 2026
Read Completed 6/16/26 | 3 stars | Book #128 of 2026
Well, this just wasn't very thrilling for me. It almost felt like two different books, the first half being about babysitting and running from the police, and the second half digging into a deeper plot, but they really don't have anything to do with each other. The sequels in this series really haven't had the charm that the first book did, and I almost wish each book was about a different character here.
I'm honestly getting a little tired of these stories and this plot because it's really not going anywhere. For as high stakes as this was, I wasn't getting a lot of emotional investment about it. We really did not need Astrid's POV in here whatsoever and it was boring. I would have rather heard from Booker than these two again because they're not deep enough to carry these books anymore.
Well, this just wasn't very thrilling for me. It almost felt like two different books, the first half being about babysitting and running from the police, and the second half digging into a deeper plot, but they really don't have anything to do with each other. The sequels in this series really haven't had the charm that the first book did, and I almost wish each book was about a different character here.
I'm honestly getting a little tired of these stories and this plot because it's really not going anywhere. For as high stakes as this was, I wasn't getting a lot of emotional investment about it. We really did not need Astrid's POV in here whatsoever and it was boring. I would have rather heard from Booker than these two again because they're not deep enough to carry these books anymore.
July 17, 2026
A group of former assassins try to reform from a life of killing but the world isn’t content to let them be. A Russian mob boss threatens Marks family if he doesn’t agree to break his sobriety and kill Astrid. Astrid and Booker are the focus of an NYPD manhunt after a babysitting snafu. There are explosions, shoot outs (non-lethal, mostly), nail bitting escapes and a really badass net gun. It’s a wild and fast paced ride but interspersed with a lot of heart.
Mark, Booker and Astrid of the past could probably take over a small country in a weekend. They were superhero levels of badass, and I love the concept of putting guardrails on them by not allowing them to kill, then throwing circumstances at them that cause them to constantly question their sobriety. How far can they be pushed? All they want is to try and move on and be better people, but their past always comes back to haunt them. The pull to give in and take the easy way out is always present.
Some qualms. This is probably my least favorite installment of the series. Book one was my favorite and was Mark’s journey. Book two was mostly focused on Astrid but we get some Mark as well. I was hoping we would get Booker’s story in this one. We get some but the only two POV’s we get are Mark and Astrid. Mark is dealing with confronting his old life and what he could have had when seeing his family again. Astrid is struggling with her own family loss, being reminded of Chea, the girl she raised then watch die. It’s a lot of guilt and shame, which is what addiction can be, but the arcs in this felt like more of the same from them both. The ending feels like a fresh start though. I will absolutely be reading future installments.
Mark, Booker and Astrid of the past could probably take over a small country in a weekend. They were superhero levels of badass, and I love the concept of putting guardrails on them by not allowing them to kill, then throwing circumstances at them that cause them to constantly question their sobriety. How far can they be pushed? All they want is to try and move on and be better people, but their past always comes back to haunt them. The pull to give in and take the easy way out is always present.
Some qualms. This is probably my least favorite installment of the series. Book one was my favorite and was Mark’s journey. Book two was mostly focused on Astrid but we get some Mark as well. I was hoping we would get Booker’s story in this one. We get some but the only two POV’s we get are Mark and Astrid. Mark is dealing with confronting his old life and what he could have had when seeing his family again. Astrid is struggling with her own family loss, being reminded of Chea, the girl she raised then watch die. It’s a lot of guilt and shame, which is what addiction can be, but the arcs in this felt like more of the same from them both. The ending feels like a fresh start though. I will absolutely be reading future installments.
August 20, 2026
This is the third book in this series and I love it. It’s about a group of assassins that enter an AA program. But because of their former jobs things don’t always go to plan and there are struggles with if/should they maintain there sobriety. It has found family and each character has grown since the first book. New characters have been introduced and it still feels so fresh.
Can’t wait for book 4! I also hope we get to see more of Valencia.
Can’t wait for book 4! I also hope we get to see more of Valencia.
July 5, 2026
Still a fun series but this one didn’t hit the same way as the others. There was just a lot of running around/escaping and kind of a plot salad. Still good, but not the best.
August 6, 2026
I couldn't put it down!
August 9, 2026
I loved book one, liked book two and feel like this series is just sliding downhill. I stopped liking the main character, didn't like the two POV 's, really didn't appreciate the trans character either.... Not going to continue this series :(
July 24, 2026
Book 4. June 2027. HURRY. UP. PLEASE.
July 11, 2026
Ebook received for free through NetGalley
Another epic book in the series. As good as expected and can’t wait to read more when whatever the next one comes out. Happy it was the first book of the year.
Another epic book in the series. As good as expected and can’t wait to read more when whatever the next one comes out. Happy it was the first book of the year.
June 17, 2026
Fun with a capital F! Amazing brevity to this action paced story. So much humor, so much heart, so much humanity. And then comes the relapse. I’m quite addicted to all things Assassins Anonymous. The tenants of alcoholics anonymous are beautifully interwoven with such deep found family vibes in this third book. I can’t wait for many more adventures with these characters.
July 8, 2026
Best one yet! I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of Mark and co.
July 16, 2026
Three Hitmen and a Baby is one of those rare novels that perfectly balances suspense, humor, and heart. What begins as a story about three hardened assassins unexpectedly caring for an infant quickly evolves into a surprisingly touching tale about redemption, loyalty, and the families we never expect to find.
The book's greatest strength is its characters. Each hitman has a distinct personality, making their interactions both believable and entertaining. Their attempts to navigate diapers, bottles, and sleepless nights are laugh-out-loud funny, especially given their otherwise deadly professions. Yet beneath the comedy lies genuine emotional growth as the characters slowly discover that protecting an innocent child may be the most important mission of their lives.
The pacing is excellent, moving effortlessly between high-stakes action and heartfelt moments. Just when the story seems ready to become sentimental, it delivers another thrilling confrontation or clever twist. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often surprisingly moving, giving each character a unique voice.
What makes this novel especially memorable is its ability to blend genres. It's an action thriller, a comedy, and an emotional drama all at once, without any one element overshadowing the others. Readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with memorable characters and plenty of humor will find it difficult to put down.
Overall, Three Hitmen and a Baby is an entertaining, original, and emotionally satisfying read. It proves that even the most unlikely people can find redemption and purpose in the most unexpected circumstances. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a novel that delivers excitement, laughs, and genuine heart from beginning to end. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.
The book's greatest strength is its characters. Each hitman has a distinct personality, making their interactions both believable and entertaining. Their attempts to navigate diapers, bottles, and sleepless nights are laugh-out-loud funny, especially given their otherwise deadly professions. Yet beneath the comedy lies genuine emotional growth as the characters slowly discover that protecting an innocent child may be the most important mission of their lives.
The pacing is excellent, moving effortlessly between high-stakes action and heartfelt moments. Just when the story seems ready to become sentimental, it delivers another thrilling confrontation or clever twist. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often surprisingly moving, giving each character a unique voice.
What makes this novel especially memorable is its ability to blend genres. It's an action thriller, a comedy, and an emotional drama all at once, without any one element overshadowing the others. Readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with memorable characters and plenty of humor will find it difficult to put down.
Overall, Three Hitmen and a Baby is an entertaining, original, and emotionally satisfying read. It proves that even the most unlikely people can find redemption and purpose in the most unexpected circumstances. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a novel that delivers excitement, laughs, and genuine heart from beginning to end. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.
August 18, 2026
Jacking up to 4.5 ✨
This is book 3 in Rob Harts Assassins Anonymous series. It was a humdinger! Extremely fast-paced, whip smart and extremely funny. It's a high-stakes thriller with a lot of dark comedy.
Basically, this series is about a bunch of very lethal assassins and they've all decided at one point or another in their chaotic deadly life that they would like to go straight and not kill people anymore. So they start a recovery group for reformed Killers.
Unfortunately, even though they're all trying to go straight and by going straight, it means that they will no longer use deadly force against anyone, they will never murder anyone again, but they've all made enough enemies during their life of deadly deeds and these enemies are still coming after them. So they have to come up with pretty ingenious ideas to keep each other safe. All the while not killing the people that are coming after them because that would break one of their codes. Kind of like breaking a killer's sobriety.
So this third novel in the series involves a Russian mob boss that is calling in a favor of Mark aka Pale Horse who is literally the most lethal assassin on the planet. At the same time, Mark and two other of the reformed assassins are babysitting a very small little girl who just happens to be the daughter of a very close friend of theirs. That really throws a wrench into everything. Anyway, this was really an enjoyable novel, a really quick read and I am looking forward to the fourth installment of this series.
This is book 3 in Rob Harts Assassins Anonymous series. It was a humdinger! Extremely fast-paced, whip smart and extremely funny. It's a high-stakes thriller with a lot of dark comedy.
Basically, this series is about a bunch of very lethal assassins and they've all decided at one point or another in their chaotic deadly life that they would like to go straight and not kill people anymore. So they start a recovery group for reformed Killers.
Unfortunately, even though they're all trying to go straight and by going straight, it means that they will no longer use deadly force against anyone, they will never murder anyone again, but they've all made enough enemies during their life of deadly deeds and these enemies are still coming after them. So they have to come up with pretty ingenious ideas to keep each other safe. All the while not killing the people that are coming after them because that would break one of their codes. Kind of like breaking a killer's sobriety.
So this third novel in the series involves a Russian mob boss that is calling in a favor of Mark aka Pale Horse who is literally the most lethal assassin on the planet. At the same time, Mark and two other of the reformed assassins are babysitting a very small little girl who just happens to be the daughter of a very close friend of theirs. That really throws a wrench into everything. Anyway, this was really an enjoyable novel, a really quick read and I am looking forward to the fourth installment of this series.
September 23, 2026
This series is really enjoyable to read but does take a little suspension of belief in some parts. What I like about these characters is that they don’t sugarcoat what they’ve done. They acknowledge their mistakes while still maintaining their sobriety, even if it means choosing the harder choice.
September 26, 2026
I really enjoyed the concept for this installment of the series!
October 3, 2026
Great story third one in the series, lot of fun, assassins going straight and not trying to kill anyone! References to John Wick, Bluey and everything in between
Great read!
Great read!
August 3, 2026
Such a fun series with great characters. Done in one sitting on a rainy Sunday. Time well spent.
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