The Retired Assassin's Guide to Amateur Theatrics

Retired Assassin's Guide #3

by Naomi Kuttner

"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes"

It's theatre season in Te Kohe, and the director has decided to liven things up with a production of Macbeth.

Except... something sinister happened when this play was performed twenty years ago, and the ghosts of past murders are set to make a reappearance.

As Dante and his friends are about to find out, there's no business like show business...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Cozy, Audiobook

518 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2026

About the author

Naomi Kuttner writes urban fantasy and cozy mysteries.

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

Reviews

[☼Pam Might Read Too Much ☼]

This series is so much fun. Can not wait.

Cozy mystery~

[Sami Stowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite so far in this series. The sense of humor is perfect, I love how the characters are evolving, and the mystery kept me guessing. Phenomenal pacing. I wish I could retire to Te Kohe.

I'll still be buying the audiobook when it arrives -- Thomas Barker's performance is always half the fun.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veterinarian, and prospective girlfriend Andrea, decides that a good way for she and retired assassin Dante to get to know each other better, is to take him on a farm call. The visit ends in disaster when the bull she is supposed to treat decides to act like the ornery bovine he is, and Dante decides to neutralize the threat. HILARIOUS!
Andrea is not quite ready to give up on Dante, so she decides that they will do something safer by performing in the local drama club's production of Macbeth. Even poor, shy Charlie winds up getting a speaking part. Andrea's friend Jennifer is overly protective of her, and rude to Dante, which he doesn't understand. At the first rehearsal, a chandelier falls and nearly hits Andrea and two of her friends. Then Jennifer is killed in a wreck after a cast party, and Dante knows it wasn't an accident.
There is an angry, vengeful ghost in the theatre, and Charlie wants to help it pass on, while at the same time, he's afraid of it. His skill is really put to the test.
I have absolutely LOVED this series from the first book, and been anxiously awaiting this 3rd installment in the series since it was announced. The author was kind enough to let me be on her ARC team. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Rosanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy as part of the beta readers.

Being a beta reader was difficult as I wanted to carry on reading the book and not go back and reread the chapter to comment on it. Another enthralling tale and by book 3 you know the main characters. Dante is trying to date and learning that you don't take a gun to an outdoor vet appointment! His girlfriend suggests he joins the local theatre production so they can get to know each other better.

One of the beta reader questions was 'what happens next', I would write what I thought would happen next but usually got it wrong! The first two books I didn't take to Elanor but this time around you see her in a different light.

The ending is not contrived and if it is the end of the series then it ends perfectly. Though I hope it isn't the end!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO much fun! It's a high treat to read such an action-packed mystery set in idyllic New Zealand. The characters (both the living ones AND the ghostly ones) are very well portrayed, and I get fully invested in their personalities, amusements, and worries. There are some brilliant relationship dynamics - cop and criminal, vet and assassin (retired), ghost whisperer and ghosts, actors, back stage crew and directors, and more. I love the scenery, the buildings full of character, restful gardens and the really good café. 10/10 would step inside this book to live, after the murderers are sorted out...
You'll want to read the first two books first.
I'm reviewing a beta copy, and I'll read & buy the final product :)

[Judith Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some very fun action in the cozy mystery by Naomi Kuttner, plus the continued development of 2 radically different romantic relationships. I enjoy interesting stories about adults with a wealth of life experience. The demands of the mystery also results in the younger character finding himself in a coherent, believable way.

The New Zealand setting also provides a welcome change of pace from the English village, while preserving the village feel.

The first 2 entries in the series are not necessary to understand the story, but reading them first is highly recommended to appreciate the personal relationships.

This review was based on an advanced edition provided by the author.

I will be buying the book when it comes out.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exit, stage left

Really enjoyed this story and read it in one setting. Dante continues following his AA program, despite strong pressure to protect Andrea, and is learning to let her in to his life. The cast brownies help ease that along. Charlie faces danger, but Dante calls in a favor to get him back, even stronger. The cat helps out... Eleanor finds out Avery and she have more in common. The Scottish Play opening has some added action too! Overall, an excellent story! I highly recommend!

[Natalia Lost in the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! So much Drama happening... 😉 There are twists and turns you'll never see coming. Additionally, we get to see more of Te Kohe and learn more of it's history.
Dante, Eleanor, Charlie and some new friends will be met, as well as some frenemies... I'm not going to put in any spoilers!!! But you'll be captivated by the performance of the Te Kohe Amateur Dramatics Society, I sure was.
I wish I could give it six stars. 🌟

[♡Jane]

So excited this is coming out early! Congratulations! 😀😄😃😘

[Julie Davis]

I'd forgotten I'd preordered this so it turns out that I gave myself a nice surprise! :-)