What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kill Clause
2 hours
A hired killer finds herself caught between her conscience and her contract over the holidays in this riveting short thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.
A hit woman’s work doesn’t stop for the holidays. As the advent calendar winds down, Paige slips into a palatial house, ignoring a blizzard of texts from her ex-husband. No surprise—Julian always gets maudlin this time of year. The real shock comes when the target is not alone. His young daughter is there too.
Risking the wrath of her organization, Paige retreats. There are some lines that, for personal reasons, she just won’t cross. But when she returns on Christmas Eve to finish the job, the girl is still there…along with someone even more startling. As the ghosts of her past gather—to haunt or to help, it’s unclear—Paige must confront old traumas and outwit her superiors to make it to Christmas morning alive.
A hired killer finds herself caught between her conscience and her contract over the holidays in this riveting short thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.
A hit woman’s work doesn’t stop for the holidays. As the advent calendar winds down, Paige slips into a palatial house, ignoring a blizzard of texts from her ex-husband. No surprise—Julian always gets maudlin this time of year. The real shock comes when the target is not alone. His young daughter is there too.
Risking the wrath of her organization, Paige retreats. There are some lines that, for personal reasons, she just won’t cross. But when she returns on Christmas Eve to finish the job, the girl is still there…along with someone even more startling. As the ghosts of her past gather—to haunt or to help, it’s unclear—Paige must confront old traumas and outwit her superiors to make it to Christmas morning alive.
Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2025
6248 people are currently reading
6409 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Unger
51 books10.7k followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including her upcoming release SERVED HIM RIGHT (March, 2026). With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,225 reviews
December 17, 2025
3/5 ★
When the Naughty List Comes with a Kill Clause 🔪🎅🏻
In The Kill Clause, hired killer Paige faces a moral breaking point when a holiday job goes wrong and her target’s young daughter is present. Disregarding the strict orders of her organization, she leaves her mission unfinished. Will she survive long enough to see Christmas morning after making this choice?
I went into this short story totally blind, and I was a little worried when I realized Paige is an assassin. Those types of stories are very hit or miss for me. This one was as well.
I found the whole operation and missions to be believable rather than cringey, which is often my reaction to books like this. That said, like other similar stories, I found this one a little too action-heavy toward the end for my taste.
I thought Paige was an interesting character to follow, especially for a short story, and I enjoyed learning about her background and how she got involved in her work. I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance side of her character though.
I would have loved more Christmas vibes from this one. Other than being set around and on Christmas, it didn’t feel very festive to me, which was disappointing. I found Christmas Presents, Lisa Unger’s Christmas novella from last year, to have the perfect balance, so I expected more in this one.
Also, I wouldn’t rate a book lower for this, but the daughter’s name is Apple. I did look it up, and it is a real name, but I was still shaking my head every time I read it. (Sorry if your name is Apple!)
Overall, this was just fine. I would recommend it if you enjoyed First Lie Wins and want to read something similar. As a holiday book though, I’d say it’s safe to skip this one and read Christmas Presents instead.
Happy holidays, everyone!
When the Naughty List Comes with a Kill Clause 🔪🎅🏻
In The Kill Clause, hired killer Paige faces a moral breaking point when a holiday job goes wrong and her target’s young daughter is present. Disregarding the strict orders of her organization, she leaves her mission unfinished. Will she survive long enough to see Christmas morning after making this choice?
I went into this short story totally blind, and I was a little worried when I realized Paige is an assassin. Those types of stories are very hit or miss for me. This one was as well.
I found the whole operation and missions to be believable rather than cringey, which is often my reaction to books like this. That said, like other similar stories, I found this one a little too action-heavy toward the end for my taste.
I thought Paige was an interesting character to follow, especially for a short story, and I enjoyed learning about her background and how she got involved in her work. I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance side of her character though.
I would have loved more Christmas vibes from this one. Other than being set around and on Christmas, it didn’t feel very festive to me, which was disappointing. I found Christmas Presents, Lisa Unger’s Christmas novella from last year, to have the perfect balance, so I expected more in this one.
Also, I wouldn’t rate a book lower for this, but the daughter’s name is Apple. I did look it up, and it is a real name, but I was still shaking my head every time I read it. (Sorry if your name is Apple!)
Overall, this was just fine. I would recommend it if you enjoyed First Lie Wins and want to read something similar. As a holiday book though, I’d say it’s safe to skip this one and read Christmas Presents instead.
Happy holidays, everyone!
November 6, 2025
3.5 stars
Naughty or Nice list for 2025! 🎅🎄
For those who like their Christmas reads NAUGHTY, comes this 70 page short story from Lisa Unger, free for Amazon Prime members in November.
Paige is a hired killer who finds herself torn between her conscience and her contract.
She likes to think she has a few things in common with SANTA CLAUS-she works holidays, she knows when you are sleeping and she knows when you’re awake, and she is a master of breaking and entering.
But, while he gives-she takes..
That is until she is faced with a target’s 4 year old daughter and she finds that she can’t go through with the hit.
This story started out with this Christmas humor but the “Christmas” in this story ended there, and it got dark in a hurry, when Paige has to worry about whether or not the KILL CLAUSE in her contract will be triggered because of her “judgment call”.
Loved the cameo of the “Sleep Tight Motel”
TW: Scene of a DOE being killed, and Domestic Violence
AVAILABLE December 1, 2025 for those not a member of Amazon Prime.
Naughty or Nice list for 2025! 🎅🎄
For those who like their Christmas reads NAUGHTY, comes this 70 page short story from Lisa Unger, free for Amazon Prime members in November.
Paige is a hired killer who finds herself torn between her conscience and her contract.
She likes to think she has a few things in common with SANTA CLAUS-she works holidays, she knows when you are sleeping and she knows when you’re awake, and she is a master of breaking and entering.
But, while he gives-she takes..
That is until she is faced with a target’s 4 year old daughter and she finds that she can’t go through with the hit.
This story started out with this Christmas humor but the “Christmas” in this story ended there, and it got dark in a hurry, when Paige has to worry about whether or not the KILL CLAUSE in her contract will be triggered because of her “judgment call”.
Loved the cameo of the “Sleep Tight Motel”
TW: Scene of a DOE being killed, and Domestic Violence
AVAILABLE December 1, 2025 for those not a member of Amazon Prime.
November 8, 2025
Check Your Contract For
The Kill Clause...
THE KILL CLAUSE: A Short Story
by Lisa Unger
4 stars. Paige, AKA Alice and Denise, has a lot in common with Santa Claus, such as breaking and entering...
The big white concrete and glass house was isolated and easily breached...
Paige knows the entitled man that lives here. He isn't all bad, but someone is angry, or he owes a debt, or he's to be a scapegoat...
But that's none of her business...
She plans to use an ice pick to kill him...
It's her job...
Unfortunately...
She's interrupted by the man's four year old daughter who is not supposed to be here. She's supposed to be with her mother...
She lets the child live even though leaving witnesses isn't part of her protocol...
But...
There is no way she's going to kill a child or her father so the child can find him dead the next morning...
That was a serious mistake...
At The Company, if you screw up or get caught, you will be ended without warning...
This rule is known as The Kill Clause...
This story seemed more like a novella than a short story. There was time for a decent plot and character development. I liked the ending, but I really wish that there had been more to the story. I was just getting into it when it ended.
This was a good first outing with Lisa Unger.
The Kill Clause...
THE KILL CLAUSE: A Short Story
by Lisa Unger
4 stars. Paige, AKA Alice and Denise, has a lot in common with Santa Claus, such as breaking and entering...
The big white concrete and glass house was isolated and easily breached...
Paige knows the entitled man that lives here. He isn't all bad, but someone is angry, or he owes a debt, or he's to be a scapegoat...
But that's none of her business...
She plans to use an ice pick to kill him...
It's her job...
Unfortunately...
She's interrupted by the man's four year old daughter who is not supposed to be here. She's supposed to be with her mother...
She lets the child live even though leaving witnesses isn't part of her protocol...
But...
There is no way she's going to kill a child or her father so the child can find him dead the next morning...
That was a serious mistake...
At The Company, if you screw up or get caught, you will be ended without warning...
This rule is known as The Kill Clause...
This story seemed more like a novella than a short story. There was time for a decent plot and character development. I liked the ending, but I really wish that there had been more to the story. I was just getting into it when it ended.
This was a good first outing with Lisa Unger.
December 6, 2025
Paige doesn’t rest during the holidays. As a hit woman, there is no space on her calendar for taking a breather, so when she sneaks into her target’s house, and his little girl sees her, Paige feels she has no choice but to spare the target, even though her training says otherwise. But when her boss is breathing down her neck to get the job done, regardless of whether the little girl is there or not, Paige has to decide if her boss’s approval trumps her morals.
This novella was pretty fun! I haven’t read anything by Lisa Unger, so I can’t say if this is one of her better works or not. It is a short story, so obviously it doesn’t delve too deeply into character and plot development, but for the most part, I think I understood the character pretty well and knew what was going on without needing more context. Is it the best novella I’ve read? No, because I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would because it wasn’t really my jam, but it was still good. If you're looking for a quick, edgy holiday read, I recommend this book! 🎅🔪
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, & mentions domestic violence, abuse, and child abuse.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–only mentions it, and there is kissing. (🌶/5)
This novella was pretty fun! I haven’t read anything by Lisa Unger, so I can’t say if this is one of her better works or not. It is a short story, so obviously it doesn’t delve too deeply into character and plot development, but for the most part, I think I understood the character pretty well and knew what was going on without needing more context. Is it the best novella I’ve read? No, because I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would because it wasn’t really my jam, but it was still good. If you're looking for a quick, edgy holiday read, I recommend this book! 🎅🔪
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, & mentions domestic violence, abuse, and child abuse.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–only mentions it, and there is kissing. (🌶/5)
November 12, 2025
I thought this was awesome for a short story. Lots of action and moral dilemmas.
I think a lot of people give short stories bad ratings, because they are judging them against full-length books. I rate my short stories based on how good they were vs other short stories I have read and this one delivered. It actually could have been longer.
I enjoyed the main character and her story a lot.
There were little Christmasy references and it took place at Christmas, but the vibe was more action than Christmas.
This one is def worth a read!
I think a lot of people give short stories bad ratings, because they are judging them against full-length books. I rate my short stories based on how good they were vs other short stories I have read and this one delivered. It actually could have been longer.
I enjoyed the main character and her story a lot.
There were little Christmasy references and it took place at Christmas, but the vibe was more action than Christmas.
This one is def worth a read!
December 10, 2025
Nope, not for me, I don’t want to read child and animal abuse and domestic violence, especially during the holiday season
December 10, 2025
EXCERPT: Have you ever taken a good look at your contract?' he asked that first night as we lay in bed.
The truth was no. I had honestly just signed anything Nora put in front of me, so naive, so desperate was I to please her then. I had glanced through the pages, intimidated by the legal language, pretending not to be, and put my scrawl on the dotted line, rewarded by a wide smile form Nora, a warm hand on my shoulder. 'Welcome to the Company, sweetie.'
'Did Nora ever tell you about the termination agreement?'
Silence was my answer.
'The termination agreement,' he repeated as if I hadn't heard him. 'That if you get caught or fuck up, or endanger the firm in any way, the Company will end you without warning.'
'You mean fire, disavow?'
Right. Sure. At the Company, thy call it the kill clause.'
ABOUT 'THE KILL CLAUSE': A hired killer finds herself caught between her conscience and her contract.
A hit woman’s work doesn’t stop for the holidays. As the advent calendar winds down, Paige slips into a palatial house, ignoring a blizzard of texts from her ex-husband. No surprise—Julian always gets maudlin this time of year. The real shock comes when the target is not alone. His young daughter is there too.
Risking the wrath of her organization, Paige retreats. There are some lines that, for personal reasons, she just won’t cross. But when she returns on Christmas Eve to finish the job, the girl is still there…along with someone even more startling. As the ghosts of her past gather—to haunt or to help, it’s unclear—Paige must confront old traumas and outwit her superiors to make it to Christmas morning alive.
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed this festive treat by Lisa Unger. I don't think I can really call it a Christmas story, but it is set at Christmas and there is some goodwill involved, so maybe I can.
The Kill Clause is a quick (70 page), thrilling and easy read, especially, if like me, you are a fan of the moral dilemma.
Paige has always been loyal to Nora and 'The Company'. But when she violates 'The Company' credo of get in, get out - complete the job with no questions asked, she senses a subtle shift in Nora's attitude towards her. Then, she is given an ultimatum - 'Do your job.' There is no need for the 'or else' to be said.
But then there's Apple . . .
Paige is a great character, hard not to like despite her occupation. Inside her head is an interesting place to be.
If you are in the market for a thrilling short story with plenty of action and a smidgeon of Christmas spirit, I recommend The Kill Clause. Unpredictable and with a surprise ending, it ticked a lot of my boxes. 🗡️🎅
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheKillClause #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: LISA UNGER is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author. With books published in thirty languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is widely regarded as a master of suspense. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon original Short Stories via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Kill Clause for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The truth was no. I had honestly just signed anything Nora put in front of me, so naive, so desperate was I to please her then. I had glanced through the pages, intimidated by the legal language, pretending not to be, and put my scrawl on the dotted line, rewarded by a wide smile form Nora, a warm hand on my shoulder. 'Welcome to the Company, sweetie.'
'Did Nora ever tell you about the termination agreement?'
Silence was my answer.
'The termination agreement,' he repeated as if I hadn't heard him. 'That if you get caught or fuck up, or endanger the firm in any way, the Company will end you without warning.'
'You mean fire, disavow?'
Right. Sure. At the Company, thy call it the kill clause.'
ABOUT 'THE KILL CLAUSE': A hired killer finds herself caught between her conscience and her contract.
A hit woman’s work doesn’t stop for the holidays. As the advent calendar winds down, Paige slips into a palatial house, ignoring a blizzard of texts from her ex-husband. No surprise—Julian always gets maudlin this time of year. The real shock comes when the target is not alone. His young daughter is there too.
Risking the wrath of her organization, Paige retreats. There are some lines that, for personal reasons, she just won’t cross. But when she returns on Christmas Eve to finish the job, the girl is still there…along with someone even more startling. As the ghosts of her past gather—to haunt or to help, it’s unclear—Paige must confront old traumas and outwit her superiors to make it to Christmas morning alive.
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed this festive treat by Lisa Unger. I don't think I can really call it a Christmas story, but it is set at Christmas and there is some goodwill involved, so maybe I can.
The Kill Clause is a quick (70 page), thrilling and easy read, especially, if like me, you are a fan of the moral dilemma.
Paige has always been loyal to Nora and 'The Company'. But when she violates 'The Company' credo of get in, get out - complete the job with no questions asked, she senses a subtle shift in Nora's attitude towards her. Then, she is given an ultimatum - 'Do your job.' There is no need for the 'or else' to be said.
But then there's Apple . . .
Paige is a great character, hard not to like despite her occupation. Inside her head is an interesting place to be.
If you are in the market for a thrilling short story with plenty of action and a smidgeon of Christmas spirit, I recommend The Kill Clause. Unpredictable and with a surprise ending, it ticked a lot of my boxes. 🗡️🎅
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheKillClause #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: LISA UNGER is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author. With books published in thirty languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is widely regarded as a master of suspense. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon original Short Stories via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Kill Clause for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
December 10, 2025
With well-developed characters, a full-circle plot, and plenty of action, The Kill Clause was a thriller that felt more like a novella than a short story. You see, not only was the plot complete and the personas fully fleshed out, but this anti-heroine assassin delivered a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride of unbridled suspense. Strong, smart, and believably flawed, I was rooting for Paige from the very first chapter thanks to the extensive background of her traumatic past. After all, the depth to her character made her questionable morals seem reasonable—even if her homicidal intentions took her over the edge. I do have to say, though, that while I loved the characterizations, the tense atmosphere, dark humor, and well-set-up world were what had me completely hooked on this riveting story from beginning to end.
All said and done, I absolutely loved this quick, easy read. Coming in at only 70 pages, it was a fun, addictive holiday-themed thriller. With natural dialogue, easy transitions, and a stunning arc to the story, I was wholly immersed in this unputdownable tale of contract killers gone rogue. I mean, who wouldn’t love the twisty plotting and satisfying ending? Even better, the only two flaws that I could find weren’t really shortfalls at all. You see, on top of the need to suspend all disbelief, I would’ve loved for this one to be a bit longer despite how complete the whole thing felt by the end. Like I said, though, those weren’t really flaws. Ultimately, with a storyline that gave me a very Zero Day feel, I had a blast riding shotgun with Paige and would love for this one to be expanded into a full-level novel one day soon. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Please oh please go into this one as blind as possible! All you need to know is that this short story is about a hit woman’s most recent job. Assigned to take out yet another wealthy client, she doesn’t care what he’s done or why he’s on her list. She’s got a job to do and won’t let anything get in her way—until his four-year-old daughter walks into the room. Now what is she supposed to do? Facing a huge moral dilemma, Paige not only must decide what lines she will and won’t cross, but whether she can move past her own old traumas. What kind of repercussions might she face as her sense of right-and-wrong reemerges, though? After all, being an assassin isn’t something you can just quit whenever you want.
Thank you to Lisa Unger, Amazon Publishing, MBC Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 1, 2025
Content warning: breaking and entering, drug overdose, murder, gun violence, animal death, domestic abuse
All said and done, I absolutely loved this quick, easy read. Coming in at only 70 pages, it was a fun, addictive holiday-themed thriller. With natural dialogue, easy transitions, and a stunning arc to the story, I was wholly immersed in this unputdownable tale of contract killers gone rogue. I mean, who wouldn’t love the twisty plotting and satisfying ending? Even better, the only two flaws that I could find weren’t really shortfalls at all. You see, on top of the need to suspend all disbelief, I would’ve loved for this one to be a bit longer despite how complete the whole thing felt by the end. Like I said, though, those weren’t really flaws. Ultimately, with a storyline that gave me a very Zero Day feel, I had a blast riding shotgun with Paige and would love for this one to be expanded into a full-level novel one day soon. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Please oh please go into this one as blind as possible! All you need to know is that this short story is about a hit woman’s most recent job. Assigned to take out yet another wealthy client, she doesn’t care what he’s done or why he’s on her list. She’s got a job to do and won’t let anything get in her way—until his four-year-old daughter walks into the room. Now what is she supposed to do? Facing a huge moral dilemma, Paige not only must decide what lines she will and won’t cross, but whether she can move past her own old traumas. What kind of repercussions might she face as her sense of right-and-wrong reemerges, though? After all, being an assassin isn’t something you can just quit whenever you want.
Thank you to Lisa Unger, Amazon Publishing, MBC Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 1, 2025
Content warning: breaking and entering, drug overdose, murder, gun violence, animal death, domestic abuse
December 3, 2025
Okay! Im so happy I decided to randomly start reading this before my beach vacay to Cabo for a destination wedding! And this ‘Short story’ was the perfect way to start it! Wow!
This is a quick and easy and yes… a thrilling read with an easy plot and likable characters. This short story is well written and filled with effortless dialogue and fluid transitions! A must read leading into the holidays!!
This short story encircles the secret lives of “the hired to kill”, the seemingly normal people; the assassins. Early on, the would be Assassins are sought out, they are unattached and alone-the perfect addition. “The Company” then draws them in -offers them a “family” they never had, train them, show them loyalty and kindness and turn them into killers.
Paige is our Protagonist (I love her!) and with the rules being simple: Get in and get out, complete the job with no exceptions and absolutely no questions asked, Paige becomes one of The Company’s best! Completing her mission was the name of the game and she learned to never look back! Until one day that all changed…
And yep… that’s all I can share…. 🎄🎁
.
This story has good pacing and a creative storyline…crazy- an assassin and I’m her biggest fan! 😳 Honestly, I loved everything about The Kill Clause and actually wish it was a full length novel. Simply fantastic!
The Kill Clause is surprising and truly a quick, easy read with likable characters and a truly “favorite ending”!
A 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨rating from me! So fun!
This is a quick and easy and yes… a thrilling read with an easy plot and likable characters. This short story is well written and filled with effortless dialogue and fluid transitions! A must read leading into the holidays!!
This short story encircles the secret lives of “the hired to kill”, the seemingly normal people; the assassins. Early on, the would be Assassins are sought out, they are unattached and alone-the perfect addition. “The Company” then draws them in -offers them a “family” they never had, train them, show them loyalty and kindness and turn them into killers.
Paige is our Protagonist (I love her!) and with the rules being simple: Get in and get out, complete the job with no exceptions and absolutely no questions asked, Paige becomes one of The Company’s best! Completing her mission was the name of the game and she learned to never look back! Until one day that all changed…
And yep… that’s all I can share…. 🎄🎁
.
This story has good pacing and a creative storyline…crazy- an assassin and I’m her biggest fan! 😳 Honestly, I loved everything about The Kill Clause and actually wish it was a full length novel. Simply fantastic!
The Kill Clause is surprising and truly a quick, easy read with likable characters and a truly “favorite ending”!
A 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨rating from me! So fun!
December 24, 2025
2.76 "won me over...sorta "stars !!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Amazon Original Stories. This was released December 2025. I am providing an honest review.
Well HoHoHo my wicked little elves: here is a very brief review
-sort of slick
-kinda klever
-rather expected
-tres Hollywood
-sort of noirish cliche
Still mildly enjoyable ....
A medium high 2 star- put rather reluctantly on my three star shelf cuz I want to show Santa that I'm a good boy ~
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Amazon Original Stories. This was released December 2025. I am providing an honest review.
Well HoHoHo my wicked little elves: here is a very brief review
-sort of slick
-kinda klever
-rather expected
-tres Hollywood
-sort of noirish cliche
Still mildly enjoyable ....
A medium high 2 star- put rather reluctantly on my three star shelf cuz I want to show Santa that I'm a good boy ~
December 25, 2025
I know when you're sleeping...🎅🏼
Everything dies. But not everything kills.
This was unexpected and a blast! Leaves me wanting more Lisa Unger. I liked the addition of the FMC's backstory and what that said about her current relationships. Everything that looks like 'not harm' can be misconstrued for love after you've been rescued from abuse. I wanted more holiday references, but this was a lot of fun.
4.5*🎄
Everything dies. But not everything kills.
This was unexpected and a blast! Leaves me wanting more Lisa Unger. I liked the addition of the FMC's backstory and what that said about her current relationships. Everything that looks like 'not harm' can be misconstrued for love after you've been rescued from abuse. I wanted more holiday references, but this was a lot of fun.
4.5*🎄
December 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨
🔪🎅🏻
My expectations were lukewarm going in, but I was surprised by how fluid the writing was.🙂 It pulled me into this high-stakes world of assassins and secrets.
Who can you trust when everyone in your orbit is a killer?
Paige is spending the holidays as per usual this year. Another day another target to kill. She's an assassin for a secretive group that takes out certain people for certain reasons. Why? Paige doesn't know and neither does the reader. She's told her assignments are time sensitive and that these targets pose a problem. Everything is hush, hush, and need to know. The only thing they want Paige to know is how to kill and leave no trace. That includes witnesses, never, ever leave a witness. When Paige arrives to take out the man listed on her next contract, she finds his young daughter awake in the house. It's a problem. Paige is the only assassin in her group who won't kill children. She makes a tough call leaving the girl and her father alive putting all their lives in further jeopardy. She knows it will be seen as a vast misstep but she's willing to put a target on her own back. After all there's only one way one leaves her employer, in a body bag.
Nothing here reinvents the 🛞 wheel, but it's a fun short story to toss in among holiday reads if you like thrillers. It would've gotten four stars from me if the ending had more 👊🏻 punch. Weak endings are harder to like when it's a short story because you need that umph or twist at the end to make the narrative sing. 🎶
Not a must read, but a decent one if you have a few minutes to kill.
*Now Available*
This was my pick from First Reads for November.
🔪🎅🏻
My expectations were lukewarm going in, but I was surprised by how fluid the writing was.🙂 It pulled me into this high-stakes world of assassins and secrets.
Who can you trust when everyone in your orbit is a killer?
Paige is spending the holidays as per usual this year. Another day another target to kill. She's an assassin for a secretive group that takes out certain people for certain reasons. Why? Paige doesn't know and neither does the reader. She's told her assignments are time sensitive and that these targets pose a problem. Everything is hush, hush, and need to know. The only thing they want Paige to know is how to kill and leave no trace. That includes witnesses, never, ever leave a witness. When Paige arrives to take out the man listed on her next contract, she finds his young daughter awake in the house. It's a problem. Paige is the only assassin in her group who won't kill children. She makes a tough call leaving the girl and her father alive putting all their lives in further jeopardy. She knows it will be seen as a vast misstep but she's willing to put a target on her own back. After all there's only one way one leaves her employer, in a body bag.
Nothing here reinvents the 🛞 wheel, but it's a fun short story to toss in among holiday reads if you like thrillers. It would've gotten four stars from me if the ending had more 👊🏻 punch. Weak endings are harder to like when it's a short story because you need that umph or twist at the end to make the narrative sing. 🎶
Not a must read, but a decent one if you have a few minutes to kill.
*Now Available*
This was my pick from First Reads for November.
December 4, 2025
the setup…
It’s the week of Christmas but the holiday season isn’t any reason for Paige, a professional assassin, to slack off on the job. But when she enters the home of her target, she’s surprised to find his young daughter there with him. Paige makes a judgment call and aborts the op, knowing she’s putting her own life at risk with her “employer.” She bargains for another try the next night on Christmas Eve, unsure of whether the “kill clause” in her contract will be invoked.
the heart of the story…
Yes, this is an unconventional Christmas story and it’s a great change of pace from the normal seasonal fare. Paige is really good at what she does and her ex-husband Julian has her back…literally. Will she survive her mistake?
the narration…
I always enjoy Vivienne Leheny’s performances and she’s so good here. She kept it taut, tense and no nonsense, perfect for the character and the story.
the bottom line…
I got through this in one sitting as it’s that kind of story. Even though it’s short, there were still twisty moments and I loved the ending.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
It’s the week of Christmas but the holiday season isn’t any reason for Paige, a professional assassin, to slack off on the job. But when she enters the home of her target, she’s surprised to find his young daughter there with him. Paige makes a judgment call and aborts the op, knowing she’s putting her own life at risk with her “employer.” She bargains for another try the next night on Christmas Eve, unsure of whether the “kill clause” in her contract will be invoked.
the heart of the story…
Yes, this is an unconventional Christmas story and it’s a great change of pace from the normal seasonal fare. Paige is really good at what she does and her ex-husband Julian has her back…literally. Will she survive her mistake?
the narration…
I always enjoy Vivienne Leheny’s performances and she’s so good here. She kept it taut, tense and no nonsense, perfect for the character and the story.
the bottom line…
I got through this in one sitting as it’s that kind of story. Even though it’s short, there were still twisty moments and I loved the ending.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
December 10, 2025
Got to love a heroine!
The Kill Clause is a short story taking place at Christmas when hired assassin Paige has to decide whether to kill the target and let his young daughter find him or try again the next day, but her decisions are not going to sit well with her Boss Nora.
I asked for a short thrilling story and that's what i got.
The Kill Klause was a fast paced exciting read that kept my full attention.
The main lead is very likeable and i enjoyed following her journey.
Had this been a full length novel it would be a major hit.
It read very cinematic in my head and i enjoyed the drama.
The Kill Clause is a short story taking place at Christmas when hired assassin Paige has to decide whether to kill the target and let his young daughter find him or try again the next day, but her decisions are not going to sit well with her Boss Nora.
I asked for a short thrilling story and that's what i got.
The Kill Klause was a fast paced exciting read that kept my full attention.
The main lead is very likeable and i enjoyed following her journey.
Had this been a full length novel it would be a major hit.
It read very cinematic in my head and i enjoyed the drama.
November 3, 2025
🗡️🎅🏻
A review of the Amazon First Reads Kindle eBook edition (November 1, 2025), released in advance of the official publication by Amazon Original Stories in eBook format & by Audible Originals in audio format (December 1, 2025).
I gave a little silent cheer when I saw that this month's bonus short story from First Reads was by Lisa Unger. I've enjoyed several of her novellas and shorts in the past, always with a 4-star rating. Those included The Sleep Tight Motel (Dark Corners #2 - 2018) and the House of Crows (2021) series of novellas. Those often had surprising twists and turns.
The Kill Clause is more cookie-cutter though. It is the assassin with the heart of gold who isn't ruthless enough to eliminate innocent bystanders and who is therefore marked for "retirement" by the shady fixer company they work for. It is something we've seen before, even if there are some tweaks to the standard plot. The ending (or at least the "retirement" agent) was predictable. The finale was completely unbelievable, given that we are dealing with a ruthless organization. It was probably a 2-star, but it is Lisa Unger so I'll be generous and bump up to a GR 3-star "Like."
Trivia and Links
Lisa Unger is a very prolific author of thriller, mystery and occasional horror short stories and novels. Her most popular book (based on GR ratings and reviews) is Confessions on the 7:45 (2019). Her most recent novel is Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 (February 25, 2025) and her next book will be Served Him Right (expected March 10, 2026).
Amazon Prime First Reads advance reading copies (ARCs) are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. They offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
A review of the Amazon First Reads Kindle eBook edition (November 1, 2025), released in advance of the official publication by Amazon Original Stories in eBook format & by Audible Originals in audio format (December 1, 2025).
I like to think that Santa and I have a lot in common. First, there’s the breaking and entering. At this, we both have special skills, honed over time.
I gave a little silent cheer when I saw that this month's bonus short story from First Reads was by Lisa Unger. I've enjoyed several of her novellas and shorts in the past, always with a 4-star rating. Those included The Sleep Tight Motel (Dark Corners #2 - 2018) and the House of Crows (2021) series of novellas. Those often had surprising twists and turns.
The Kill Clause is more cookie-cutter though. It is the assassin with the heart of gold who isn't ruthless enough to eliminate innocent bystanders and who is therefore marked for "retirement" by the shady fixer company they work for. It is something we've seen before, even if there are some tweaks to the standard plot. The ending (or at least the "retirement" agent) was predictable. The finale was completely unbelievable, given that we are dealing with a ruthless organization. It was probably a 2-star, but it is Lisa Unger so I'll be generous and bump up to a GR 3-star "Like."
Trivia and Links
Lisa Unger is a very prolific author of thriller, mystery and occasional horror short stories and novels. Her most popular book (based on GR ratings and reviews) is Confessions on the 7:45 (2019). Her most recent novel is Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 (February 25, 2025) and her next book will be Served Him Right (expected March 10, 2026).
Amazon Prime First Reads advance reading copies (ARCs) are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. They offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
November 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Review to come.
December 22, 2025
Wonderful short story by Lisa Unger.
Technically, I think it could be called a novella (a short one).
I’d love to see it turned into a book!
Technically, I think it could be called a novella (a short one).
I’d love to see it turned into a book!
December 11, 2025
This had so much potential. Not be also struggling to get through 70 pages was so tempted to dnf
———————————————————————
𐙚⋆°. preread
Buddy reading with emmy it’s time for my first Christmas book!!
———————————————————————
𐙚⋆°. preread
Buddy reading with emmy it’s time for my first Christmas book!!
November 15, 2025
Paige is a contract killer with a conscience, and her contract has a "Kill Clause", meaning that she can be "terminated" when a mistake is made. The action takes place primarily on Christmas Eve, but there is also a lot of backstory detailing the characters' histories. I was totally invested in this well-developed short story from one of my favorite authors, but I wish it were longer!
December 23, 2025
Paige is an hired assassin.
Her boss Nora, owns the firm called The Company.
It's Christmas and she's given a job she's well prepared for.
Breaaking and entering the house is easy, she knows everything about the man, except why someone wants him killed.
When she's about to do it she sees his little daughter Apple, 4 years-old, at the door of the bedroom.
She wasn't supposed to be there!
She puts her to bed and aborts the job.
She would never hurt a child!
But she had failed Nora before.
And Julian, her ex, keeps calling and then texting 2 imogis and stops.
He gets sentimental this time of the year.
The first time she was in the field he was her partner. The job, a couple, was on Las Vegas and they were passing as a young newly married couple too.
It all went well and they ended up really marrying, keeping it a secret and seeing each other when possible, and wherever they could.
Julian wanted to have a life together but how could they?
Then they started arguing, the fundamental issue being that he liked killing people.
At least that's what Paige thought, but she was so very wrong!
He was the one who told her there was something in their contract called the Kill Clause: if you got caught, screw a job or endanger the firm, the Company ends you, without a warning.
This short story was a fast paced thriller, with so many twists and an ending I was not expecting but was wshing for!
Her boss Nora, owns the firm called The Company.
It's Christmas and she's given a job she's well prepared for.
Breaaking and entering the house is easy, she knows everything about the man, except why someone wants him killed.
When she's about to do it she sees his little daughter Apple, 4 years-old, at the door of the bedroom.
She wasn't supposed to be there!
She puts her to bed and aborts the job.
She would never hurt a child!
But she had failed Nora before.
And Julian, her ex, keeps calling and then texting 2 imogis and stops.
He gets sentimental this time of the year.
The first time she was in the field he was her partner. The job, a couple, was on Las Vegas and they were passing as a young newly married couple too.
It all went well and they ended up really marrying, keeping it a secret and seeing each other when possible, and wherever they could.
Julian wanted to have a life together but how could they?
Then they started arguing, the fundamental issue being that he liked killing people.
At least that's what Paige thought, but she was so very wrong!
He was the one who told her there was something in their contract called the Kill Clause: if you got caught, screw a job or endanger the firm, the Company ends you, without a warning.
This short story was a fast paced thriller, with so many twists and an ending I was not expecting but was wshing for!
December 14, 2025
Not really a holiday-themed read as not much mention of Christmas; most of the novella is about assassins trying to evade the kill clause in their contracts. The main character is likable as she is an assassin with a conscience and has had a troubled childhood.
An easy read at only 70 pages. There was enough plot to keep my interest.
An easy read at only 70 pages. There was enough plot to keep my interest.
December 16, 2025
“I feel sick inside. I am sick. I’ll be there—with jingle bells on, I finally manage. I fucking hate Christmas.”
Not bad, not great. Latter portion felt hollow.
Not bad, not great. Latter portion felt hollow.
November 2, 2025
Amazon First Reads, November 2025
Paige is a contract killer; so was her first husband. She’s living with and mentoring another that’s 10+ years her junior. It’s almost Christmas and there was a glitch on her last job. The client’s kid woke up and interrupted the job. Paige doesn’t kill children.
Having a bad day at work isn’t easy to fix when you work for The Company, Paige’s employer. Is it the same as the government group? Hhhmmm…still thinking ‘bout that one. Her boss, Nora, gives her a second chance to correct things.
It’s Christmas Eve and Paige is tired. The botched mission has her revisiting memories of her childhood, first assignment and marriage; a psychological tsunami.
Author, Lisa Unger, is right at home in this genre. Usually, she writes full length stories but has done a very good job in these brief, 62 pages of actual storytelling. Most of the tale is told by the musings of MC, Paige. Brief scenes between characters with dialogue filling in the truncated 11 chapters.
Steady tension builder as the story unfolds to an unexpected ending. If the language didn’t include totally unnecessary
f-bombs, this would have been a 5* read. All other aspects are PG-13📚
Paige is a contract killer; so was her first husband. She’s living with and mentoring another that’s 10+ years her junior. It’s almost Christmas and there was a glitch on her last job. The client’s kid woke up and interrupted the job. Paige doesn’t kill children.
Having a bad day at work isn’t easy to fix when you work for The Company, Paige’s employer. Is it the same as the government group? Hhhmmm…still thinking ‘bout that one. Her boss, Nora, gives her a second chance to correct things.
It’s Christmas Eve and Paige is tired. The botched mission has her revisiting memories of her childhood, first assignment and marriage; a psychological tsunami.
Author, Lisa Unger, is right at home in this genre. Usually, she writes full length stories but has done a very good job in these brief, 62 pages of actual storytelling. Most of the tale is told by the musings of MC, Paige. Brief scenes between characters with dialogue filling in the truncated 11 chapters.
Steady tension builder as the story unfolds to an unexpected ending. If the language didn’t include totally unnecessary
f-bombs, this would have been a 5* read. All other aspects are PG-13📚
November 24, 2025
This was a seasonal mystery/murder novella that I have to say really didn't land well. Give me a story about assassins' with a Christmas twist I said. Well it just fell short. I think Unger can do really in your face endings and I think that she could have went there with this one. The ending was wholly unrealistic though which is the main reason why I gave this 3 stars.
The Kill Clause follows Paige. Paige we find out is an assassin (think Black Widow) and was recruited at a very young age to kill whoever her boss says is the target. Lately though Paige seems to be losing a step, and when she doesn't go forward with a kill since it touches upon a rule she has about what she will and won't do, she recalls that a Kill Clause is part of her contract and someone may be coming to collect.
I think the parts with Paige's history were interesting, but that they quickly got glossed over. I also have to say that I didn't find her love story with her ex-husband to be even a bit believable. I know why it got tacked on, but it felt out of place. We do get some surface level looks at her boss and why Paige feels so beholden to her, and I think that would have been interesting to provide more context to in my opinion.
The book moves through the Christmas week and be prepared for dialogue involving Santa Claus.
The ending as I said was not realistic, but Unger I think just didn't want to get too dark.
The Kill Clause follows Paige. Paige we find out is an assassin (think Black Widow) and was recruited at a very young age to kill whoever her boss says is the target. Lately though Paige seems to be losing a step, and when she doesn't go forward with a kill since it touches upon a rule she has about what she will and won't do, she recalls that a Kill Clause is part of her contract and someone may be coming to collect.
I think the parts with Paige's history were interesting, but that they quickly got glossed over. I also have to say that I didn't find her love story with her ex-husband to be even a bit believable. I know why it got tacked on, but it felt out of place. We do get some surface level looks at her boss and why Paige feels so beholden to her, and I think that would have been interesting to provide more context to in my opinion.
The book moves through the Christmas week and be prepared for dialogue involving Santa Claus.
The ending as I said was not realistic, but Unger I think just didn't want to get too dark.
December 6, 2025
Whoa. I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.
A hired killer with baggage of her own, a target with a sweet little daughter, and an ex-husband who just wouldn’t stop calling. This was a fun little ride, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was rooting for the main characters the whole time and even gushing over the sprinkle of romance—something I never thought I’d appreciate because I hate romance novels with a passion.
Blazing guns, lovers on the run, a hired killer with a conscience. An action-packed short story fit for the big screen.
Loved it!
A hired killer with baggage of her own, a target with a sweet little daughter, and an ex-husband who just wouldn’t stop calling. This was a fun little ride, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was rooting for the main characters the whole time and even gushing over the sprinkle of romance—something I never thought I’d appreciate because I hate romance novels with a passion.
Blazing guns, lovers on the run, a hired killer with a conscience. An action-packed short story fit for the big screen.
Loved it!
December 16, 2025
As the title implies, you should not expect any Christmas cheer in this short holiday book. In this case, the “Clause” has nothing to do with Santa. The Kill Clause is, in fact, more true to what it sounds like. Exciting and suspenseful short book.
December 18, 2025
Lisa Unger truly has a way with words. This might be a short story, but it truly packs a punch. This had me on the edge of my seat. I truly loved Paige and watching her character development. I was excited for the twists and did not see them coming. I loved the ending!
November 16, 2025
I'm generally not a fan of hired-killer stories, but I decided to give this one a chance. Events at the beginning of the story drew me in, as well as the fact that I liked the main character. The animal cruelty tag is given because the main character's first kill is a deer. The incident is referred to several times in the story and in considerable detail, although the descriptions mostly highlight the main character's remorse. Obviously she is in the wrong profession. The question is, how do you quit a job like this? You know too much, and if you try to leave, the kill clause will be activated.
December 23, 2025
The Kill Clause by Lisa Unger is a dark, twisty thriller with strong romantic and psychological threads, centered on two young assassins, Paige and Julian. Recruited as teens by the enigmatic
Nora, they’re part of a small, secret network of kids who were taken in, trained, and weaponized. As the story unfolds, Paige and Julian fall in love and start dreaming of a life beyond the blood and missions—but getting out of this world is never simple, and certainly never clean. For me, this was a well-written exploration of how vulnerable young adults with rough starts can be groomed and used, all under the illusion that they’re being “saved.” That’s the big reason I’d recommend this one: it works as a propulsive thriller and a layered look at grooming, human trafficking, and the long shadow of trauma.
Paige is the heart of the story for me. She’s tough, competent, and deadly, but under that hard exterior you can feel the scared kid who was once desperate for stability. Unger does a nice job showing how Paige’s loyalty, gratitude, and need to belong are slowly twisted into obedience and dependence. Paige knows what she’s doing is wrong, but after a certain point killing has become her normal, and watching her try to reconcile who she is with who she wants to be is one of the most compelling parts of the book.
Julian is more of the quiet emotional anchor. He and Paige share this intense bond built on shared trauma and shared secrets. Their relationship feels like the one good thing they’ve carved out of a very ugly life. I liked how their romance isn’t soft and fluffy—it’s messy, fragile, and haunted by the reality that they’re both killers. When they start talking seriously about leaving the life, it’s not just about escape; it’s about whether they can ever become different people after everything they’ve done.
Nora is that perfect blend of protector and predator. She “rescues” these kids and gives them food, shelter, purpose—but the price is their entire lives. She’s the embodiment of grooming: she spots the weakness, fills the need, and then slowly tightens her control. I appreciated that Unger didn’t make her cartoonishly evil. Nora clearly believes in what she’s doing, which makes everything even more disturbing. She’s the kind of character who makes you think about how easy it is for someone vulnerable to mistake manipulation for love.
What really stood out to me thematically is how Unger shows that grooming and trafficking don’t always look like the stereotypes we think of. These kids aren’t chained in a basement—they’re “chosen,” trained, and told they’re special. They’re given skills, a mission, and a warped sense of justice. It’s a very insidious form of exploitation: they’re turned into tools and then convinced it’s their own choice. That’s the thread that stuck with me the most.
At the same time, I like that Unger doesn’t let Paige and Julian completely off the hook. Even once they realize they want out, they keep killing. That moral gray area is uncomfortable but realistic. They’re victims and perpetrators at the same time. I actually appreciated that tension, even if it made me a little uneasy—because it raises good questions: How much agency do they have? When does “I had no choice” stop working as an excuse? Can you ever really step away clean when you’ve crossed that many lines?
The writing itself is tight and engaging. The pacing feels steady, with enough action to keep the story moving but enough quiet moments to let the emotional weight land. The violence and subject matter are definitely dark, so I’d consider this more on the gritty side of thriller/romantic suspense. It’s not just about the missions; it’s about trauma, identity, and whether two people like Paige and Julian can ever build a genuine life for themselves.
Overall, I’d call The Kill Clause a disturbing, thought-provoking thriller about manipulation, loyalty, and the long-term damage of being used as a weapon when you’re still basically a kid. I liked that it made me think about grooming and human trafficking in a different way, not just as headlines, but as something that can be wrapped in the language of “family” and “second chances.” If you like morally gray characters, dark themes, and a romantic thread woven through the danger, this is a really solid read.
Nora, they’re part of a small, secret network of kids who were taken in, trained, and weaponized. As the story unfolds, Paige and Julian fall in love and start dreaming of a life beyond the blood and missions—but getting out of this world is never simple, and certainly never clean. For me, this was a well-written exploration of how vulnerable young adults with rough starts can be groomed and used, all under the illusion that they’re being “saved.” That’s the big reason I’d recommend this one: it works as a propulsive thriller and a layered look at grooming, human trafficking, and the long shadow of trauma.
Paige is the heart of the story for me. She’s tough, competent, and deadly, but under that hard exterior you can feel the scared kid who was once desperate for stability. Unger does a nice job showing how Paige’s loyalty, gratitude, and need to belong are slowly twisted into obedience and dependence. Paige knows what she’s doing is wrong, but after a certain point killing has become her normal, and watching her try to reconcile who she is with who she wants to be is one of the most compelling parts of the book.
Julian is more of the quiet emotional anchor. He and Paige share this intense bond built on shared trauma and shared secrets. Their relationship feels like the one good thing they’ve carved out of a very ugly life. I liked how their romance isn’t soft and fluffy—it’s messy, fragile, and haunted by the reality that they’re both killers. When they start talking seriously about leaving the life, it’s not just about escape; it’s about whether they can ever become different people after everything they’ve done.
Nora is that perfect blend of protector and predator. She “rescues” these kids and gives them food, shelter, purpose—but the price is their entire lives. She’s the embodiment of grooming: she spots the weakness, fills the need, and then slowly tightens her control. I appreciated that Unger didn’t make her cartoonishly evil. Nora clearly believes in what she’s doing, which makes everything even more disturbing. She’s the kind of character who makes you think about how easy it is for someone vulnerable to mistake manipulation for love.
What really stood out to me thematically is how Unger shows that grooming and trafficking don’t always look like the stereotypes we think of. These kids aren’t chained in a basement—they’re “chosen,” trained, and told they’re special. They’re given skills, a mission, and a warped sense of justice. It’s a very insidious form of exploitation: they’re turned into tools and then convinced it’s their own choice. That’s the thread that stuck with me the most.
At the same time, I like that Unger doesn’t let Paige and Julian completely off the hook. Even once they realize they want out, they keep killing. That moral gray area is uncomfortable but realistic. They’re victims and perpetrators at the same time. I actually appreciated that tension, even if it made me a little uneasy—because it raises good questions: How much agency do they have? When does “I had no choice” stop working as an excuse? Can you ever really step away clean when you’ve crossed that many lines?
The writing itself is tight and engaging. The pacing feels steady, with enough action to keep the story moving but enough quiet moments to let the emotional weight land. The violence and subject matter are definitely dark, so I’d consider this more on the gritty side of thriller/romantic suspense. It’s not just about the missions; it’s about trauma, identity, and whether two people like Paige and Julian can ever build a genuine life for themselves.
Overall, I’d call The Kill Clause a disturbing, thought-provoking thriller about manipulation, loyalty, and the long-term damage of being used as a weapon when you’re still basically a kid. I liked that it made me think about grooming and human trafficking in a different way, not just as headlines, but as something that can be wrapped in the language of “family” and “second chances.” If you like morally gray characters, dark themes, and a romantic thread woven through the danger, this is a really solid read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,225 reviews