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Nadia Stafford #3.6
Perfect Victim
Nadia Stafford Novella
Fifteen years ago, hit man Tyrone Cypher disappeared into the wilderness. Now he’s back with a job for his old “friend” Jack. While Jack doesn’t consider Cypher much of a friend, the job is ideal for Nadia.
There’s a killer in Honolulu, targeting those involved in the family court system. When no one else would take one victim’s cases, lawyer Angela Kamaka did, putting herself squarely in the killer’s cross-sights.
For Nadia, Angela is the perfect victim—an innocent person in danger for doing the right thing. So Nadia and Jack get an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii courtesy of Tyrone Cypher, who has his own reasons for wanting to keep Angela safe.
Fifteen years ago, hit man Tyrone Cypher disappeared into the wilderness. Now he’s back with a job for his old “friend” Jack. While Jack doesn’t consider Cypher much of a friend, the job is ideal for Nadia.
There’s a killer in Honolulu, targeting those involved in the family court system. When no one else would take one victim’s cases, lawyer Angela Kamaka did, putting herself squarely in the killer’s cross-sights.
For Nadia, Angela is the perfect victim—an innocent person in danger for doing the right thing. So Nadia and Jack get an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii courtesy of Tyrone Cypher, who has his own reasons for wanting to keep Angela safe.
180 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2017
65 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
301 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 11, 2020
35-year-old series protagonist Nadia Stafford owns and operates a wilderness guest lodge in the wilds of the vast Canadian forests northwest of Toronto, and her 53-year-old live-in boyfriend Jack helps out in this enterprise at times. (They're a loving and committed couple, but they can't legally marry because Jack no longer has any legal ID under his real name, and it would be very dangerous for him to try to get any.) Our story begins at the lodge, but after the first six chapters (and these are short chapters), we head out with the pair to sunny Hawaii, ostensibly for a sudden quick vacation. But it's really a business trip; they've been hired to work together, which is unusual. Since they both occasionally moonlight as hired killers (although only of genuine baddies, not innocents), a typical employment contract for one of them calls for bringing about some villain's demise. This time out, though, their main job is really the converse: to protect a good person from an untimely demise.
Over the past year, a social worker and a judge, both working in Hawaii's family-court system, died in phony suicides that have been unmasked as concealed murders. Now a lawyer specializing in these kinds of cases has been blinded in one eye by a bomb, meant for him, that killed his teenage daughter. Gallant young lawyer Angela Kamaka has stepped up to take over his caseload --and since she has, her dog has been poisoned; she discovered a bomb attached to her car before turning the key, which would have detonated it, and her boyfriend was shot at in her backyard, and has decamped. An old acquaintance (not a friend; they didn't part on the best of terms!) of Jack's, one Tyrone Cypress, cares about Angela's safety. To his mind, ensuring it means taking out the killer behind this string of murders and murder attempts. The problem is, nobody knows who this is; the police are stymied. (They have suspects, but that isn't the same thing as hard evidence.) So, he's not just hiring a hit on the culprit; first, that culprit will need to be unmasked. That's where he thinks Nadia's talents will come in handy; and knowing her attitudes by reputation, he's pretty sure Angela's the sort of person our favorite lady assassin would care about and want to help.
He's definitely not wrong on that score; and Nadia does have more investigative chops than either Ty or Jack. She's as adept with a computer as she is with a gun; and as an ex-cop (she was kicked off the force for dishing out some vigilante justice) she has police experience. But she was a beat cop, not a detective. As she notes here, while she has solved mysteries before, she was able to because she already knew something the police didn't, or because the solution essentially dropped into her lap. Investigative technique isn't really something she's trained in, and here she's soon conscious that she's in over her head. (But she IS smart, very good at deductive reasoning, and gifted at reading other people....)
As in the preceding novella, Nadia is our first-person narrator in the chapters identified with her name, while Jack is viewpoint character for the third-person chapters identified with his name, and told with his perspective and vocabulary. Unlike the earlier book, though, the plotting here is impeccable; it's a very nicely-constructed traditional mystery, without logical problems or excessive stupidity on the criminal side. (After a big reveal, I did guess another development before Nadia did, but not much before.) Also in an improvement over Double Play, Jack's use of the f-word is toned down significantly in his chapters (and Nadia's always been, for someone with her background, relatively temperate in her use of bad language). The worst language here actually comes from Tyrone. There's no explicit sexual content, and violence is minimal and not overly graphic. Armstrong's prose style is serviceable and spare, without being overly "minimalist;" there's a strong narrative drive, and the plotting is tight, making for a quick, page-turning read. Both main characters are likeable (just because we know they occasionally dispatch some bad guys doesn't mean we can't like them :-) ), and I really liked the ending, though I'll write no spoilers!
Armstrong mentions in an author's note that Tyrone Cypress is a cross-over character, who also appears in the second novel of another of her series, the Rockton series. I haven't read any of those books, or indeed any of her work but the two novellas in this omnibus. I would probably try one of her supernatural series before starting another of her descriptive fiction series. But before doing either, my priority would be to read the original Nadia Stafford trilogy; and I hope to do that sooner rather than later!
Over the past year, a social worker and a judge, both working in Hawaii's family-court system, died in phony suicides that have been unmasked as concealed murders. Now a lawyer specializing in these kinds of cases has been blinded in one eye by a bomb, meant for him, that killed his teenage daughter. Gallant young lawyer Angela Kamaka has stepped up to take over his caseload --and since she has, her dog has been poisoned; she discovered a bomb attached to her car before turning the key, which would have detonated it, and her boyfriend was shot at in her backyard, and has decamped. An old acquaintance (not a friend; they didn't part on the best of terms!) of Jack's, one Tyrone Cypress, cares about Angela's safety. To his mind, ensuring it means taking out the killer behind this string of murders and murder attempts. The problem is, nobody knows who this is; the police are stymied. (They have suspects, but that isn't the same thing as hard evidence.) So, he's not just hiring a hit on the culprit; first, that culprit will need to be unmasked. That's where he thinks Nadia's talents will come in handy; and knowing her attitudes by reputation, he's pretty sure Angela's the sort of person our favorite lady assassin would care about and want to help.
He's definitely not wrong on that score; and Nadia does have more investigative chops than either Ty or Jack. She's as adept with a computer as she is with a gun; and as an ex-cop (she was kicked off the force for dishing out some vigilante justice) she has police experience. But she was a beat cop, not a detective. As she notes here, while she has solved mysteries before, she was able to because she already knew something the police didn't, or because the solution essentially dropped into her lap. Investigative technique isn't really something she's trained in, and here she's soon conscious that she's in over her head. (But she IS smart, very good at deductive reasoning, and gifted at reading other people....)
As in the preceding novella, Nadia is our first-person narrator in the chapters identified with her name, while Jack is viewpoint character for the third-person chapters identified with his name, and told with his perspective and vocabulary. Unlike the earlier book, though, the plotting here is impeccable; it's a very nicely-constructed traditional mystery, without logical problems or excessive stupidity on the criminal side. (After a big reveal, I did guess another development before Nadia did, but not much before.) Also in an improvement over Double Play, Jack's use of the f-word is toned down significantly in his chapters (and Nadia's always been, for someone with her background, relatively temperate in her use of bad language). The worst language here actually comes from Tyrone. There's no explicit sexual content, and violence is minimal and not overly graphic. Armstrong's prose style is serviceable and spare, without being overly "minimalist;" there's a strong narrative drive, and the plotting is tight, making for a quick, page-turning read. Both main characters are likeable (just because we know they occasionally dispatch some bad guys doesn't mean we can't like them :-) ), and I really liked the ending, though I'll write no spoilers!
Armstrong mentions in an author's note that Tyrone Cypress is a cross-over character, who also appears in the second novel of another of her series, the Rockton series. I haven't read any of those books, or indeed any of her work but the two novellas in this omnibus. I would probably try one of her supernatural series before starting another of her descriptive fiction series. But before doing either, my priority would be to read the original Nadia Stafford trilogy; and I hope to do that sooner rather than later!
January 17, 2020
Hitman Tyrone Cypher wants to hire Jack and Nadia for a job. There is a killer in Hawaii who is targeting people in the family court system. So far he has killed a caseworker, a judge, and an attorney. A new lawyer, Angela Kamata, has taken over the deceased attorney's cases. Her life is in danger and Cypher wants Jack and Nadia to protect her while they take out the killer. This kind of case is exactly the kind Nadia wants. She also jumps at the chance for an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii for her and Jack.
Another very good novella. This story has lots of twists and turns in it. I absolutely loved the last chapter. Fans of Jack and Nadia will enjoy this story. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Another very good novella. This story has lots of twists and turns in it. I absolutely loved the last chapter. Fans of Jack and Nadia will enjoy this story. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
June 17, 2025
IN A NUTSHELL
A thriller with a strong plot, a lot of action, a few surprises and a pretty setting. Readers get to see Nadia being unequivocally on the side of the angels for once and they get to see how the relationship between her and Jack has developed.
This novella is the last entry in Kelley Armstrong's series about Nadia Stafford, an ex-cop turned ethical assassin who alsoruns a lodge resort in the forests outside Toronto. It's been ten years since I read the trilogy 'Exit Strategy' (2007), 'Made To Be Broken' (2009) and 'Wild Justice' (2013). It was one of the first series I read that twisted the assassin trope and put a credible woman at its centre.
The trilogy had a strong story arc and felt complete to me. It seems that Kelley Armstrong wanted to know what happened next with Nadia and her fellow assassin, Jack so, in 2016, she published two novellas, 'Double Play' and 'Perfect Victim'.
In 'Perfect Victim' Jack and Nadia get to go to Hawaii and play the good guys, trying to protect someone whose life has been threatened.
What I liked about the book was that the plot was cleverly constructed, the mystery held my attention, there was a lot of action without the need for a huge body count, I didn't guess who was responsible for the murders and I got to see Nadia doing something different than her normal competent assassin role.
What worked less well for me were the parts of the plot that had a let's tidy everything up between Nadia and Jack feel to them. That's possibly because I've never understood what Nadia sees in the older, frequently guilt-ridden and always taciturn Jack. Even though half of the chapters are written from his point of view, I still have very little idea of what's going on in his head. Still, none of it was gushing or oversentimental. It just didn't do anything for me.
A thriller with a strong plot, a lot of action, a few surprises and a pretty setting. Readers get to see Nadia being unequivocally on the side of the angels for once and they get to see how the relationship between her and Jack has developed.
This novella is the last entry in Kelley Armstrong's series about Nadia Stafford, an ex-cop turned ethical assassin who alsoruns a lodge resort in the forests outside Toronto. It's been ten years since I read the trilogy 'Exit Strategy' (2007), 'Made To Be Broken' (2009) and 'Wild Justice' (2013). It was one of the first series I read that twisted the assassin trope and put a credible woman at its centre.
The trilogy had a strong story arc and felt complete to me. It seems that Kelley Armstrong wanted to know what happened next with Nadia and her fellow assassin, Jack so, in 2016, she published two novellas, 'Double Play' and 'Perfect Victim'.
In 'Perfect Victim' Jack and Nadia get to go to Hawaii and play the good guys, trying to protect someone whose life has been threatened.
What I liked about the book was that the plot was cleverly constructed, the mystery held my attention, there was a lot of action without the need for a huge body count, I didn't guess who was responsible for the murders and I got to see Nadia doing something different than her normal competent assassin role.
What worked less well for me were the parts of the plot that had a let's tidy everything up between Nadia and Jack feel to them. That's possibly because I've never understood what Nadia sees in the older, frequently guilt-ridden and always taciturn Jack. Even though half of the chapters are written from his point of view, I still have very little idea of what's going on in his head. Still, none of it was gushing or oversentimental. It just didn't do anything for me.
November 28, 2017
I just finished reading Double Play and decided to dive right into this one as well. In Perfect Victim someone from Jack's past resurfaces and they want Jack and Nadia's help. This story contains a mystery and some suspense and it all gets neatly wrapped by the end.
I thought the mystery was well done, there was a lot of guessing of who was the murderer. And there were some nice twists at the end that made a lot of sense, but I hadn't predicted them, which I like. It also was interesting that the book took place on Hawaii, although the focus isn't really on the setting, you did notice it took place there.
The dual point of view worked very well here with Jack and Nadia sometimes splitting up to cover different angles. And other times it's just fun to see both their point of views when it comes to the other. Just like Double Play this one again furthers their relationship a bit more and I am happy where it leaves them at the end of this novella.
To summarize: this is a great novella for fans of the series who want a bit more. Perfect Victim contains a mystery for Nadia and Jack to solve and everything gets neatly wrapped by the end. The dual point of view works really well and it's fun to get both jack and Nadia's point of view. It also further their relationship a bit. I was happy to get these two novella's and got to read a bit more about the characters this way.
I thought the mystery was well done, there was a lot of guessing of who was the murderer. And there were some nice twists at the end that made a lot of sense, but I hadn't predicted them, which I like. It also was interesting that the book took place on Hawaii, although the focus isn't really on the setting, you did notice it took place there.
The dual point of view worked very well here with Jack and Nadia sometimes splitting up to cover different angles. And other times it's just fun to see both their point of views when it comes to the other. Just like Double Play this one again furthers their relationship a bit more and I am happy where it leaves them at the end of this novella.
To summarize: this is a great novella for fans of the series who want a bit more. Perfect Victim contains a mystery for Nadia and Jack to solve and everything gets neatly wrapped by the end. The dual point of view works really well and it's fun to get both jack and Nadia's point of view. It also further their relationship a bit. I was happy to get these two novella's and got to read a bit more about the characters this way.
December 17, 2017
A fun and fast read, just great for midnight reading in bed while hubby sleeps.
I really do enjoy Nadia as a character, and I really liked the arc for her and Jack in this short. Also thought the story was interesting, just long enough, and Armstrong's writing is always good
I really do enjoy Nadia as a character, and I really liked the arc for her and Jack in this short. Also thought the story was interesting, just long enough, and Armstrong's writing is always good
February 21, 2022
To hell with it, this was just what I wanted. Satisfying mystery plotline, an interesting character coming in from the past, a nice twist and wholesome romance plot. It could have been over the top with the Hawaiian setting but it wasn't. Loved the shenanigans.
p.s. the character's age were mistaken, in book 2 Nadia was 33 and Jack 49 so here Nadia should be 37 instead of 35. Yes, I am that person.
p.s. the character's age were mistaken, in book 2 Nadia was 33 and Jack 49 so here Nadia should be 37 instead of 35. Yes, I am that person.
December 12, 2017
4.5/5 stars
Perfect Victim is #3.6 in the Nadia Stafford series. It is a novella.
This novella has a character from A Darkness Absolute, Tyrone Cypher. Apparently Perfect Victim takes place about five years before Cypher appears in A Darkness Absolute. I have read the first two books in the Casey Duncan/Rockton series. But you absolutely do not have to have read that series to enjoy Perfect Victim. I barely remembered Cypher and he is not a major character in that series.
Perfect Victim alternates narrators between Nadia (1st person POV) and Jack (3rd person POV).
I love the Nadia Stafford series. So I was super excited to get to see Nadia and Jack again.
The case in this novella was fantastic. And it did not seem rushed or short. It seemed like the case in a full novel. And the locale was amazing.
The mystery was very strong. And the resolution was very good. It takes a lot to completely surprise me. But there were definitely parts of this story that I did not see coming at all.
Overall, if you love the Nadia Stafford series then you will absolutely love this novella. Hopefully this won't be the last time we see Jack and Nadia!
Perfect Victim is #3.6 in the Nadia Stafford series. It is a novella.
This novella has a character from A Darkness Absolute, Tyrone Cypher. Apparently Perfect Victim takes place about five years before Cypher appears in A Darkness Absolute. I have read the first two books in the Casey Duncan/Rockton series. But you absolutely do not have to have read that series to enjoy Perfect Victim. I barely remembered Cypher and he is not a major character in that series.
Perfect Victim alternates narrators between Nadia (1st person POV) and Jack (3rd person POV).
I love the Nadia Stafford series. So I was super excited to get to see Nadia and Jack again.
The case in this novella was fantastic. And it did not seem rushed or short. It seemed like the case in a full novel. And the locale was amazing.
The mystery was very strong. And the resolution was very good. It takes a lot to completely surprise me. But there were definitely parts of this story that I did not see coming at all.
Overall, if you love the Nadia Stafford series then you will absolutely love this novella. Hopefully this won't be the last time we see Jack and Nadia!
November 25, 2017
It was fun to see Nadia and Jack in detective mode more than just straight up killers. I found it funny that they were in Hawaii, not a place you imagine them, although the way they relaxed made me smile, it was very them.
The whole who done it was interesting. Not what I expected, mostly because how things were separated. I was also surprised when Angela realized who paid to protect her and their connection.
The whole who done it was interesting. Not what I expected, mostly because how things were separated. I was also surprised when Angela realized who paid to protect her and their connection.
January 6, 2021
4.5 stars
Another great novella, again switching between Nadia and Jack's POVs. No actual appearances of the minor characters we know and love. Evelyn only appears over the phone, and I did miss her. But instead we get Tyrone Cypher - the retired hitman who appears in Armstrong's Rockton series - approaching Nadia and Jack with a job. I really enjoyed this crossover aspect, and the case he wanted them working was interesting. The novella ended on a very sweet note for Nadia and Jack, which put a big smile on my face.
Another great novella, again switching between Nadia and Jack's POVs. No actual appearances of the minor characters we know and love. Evelyn only appears over the phone, and I did miss her. But instead we get Tyrone Cypher - the retired hitman who appears in Armstrong's Rockton series - approaching Nadia and Jack with a job. I really enjoyed this crossover aspect, and the case he wanted them working was interesting. The novella ended on a very sweet note for Nadia and Jack, which put a big smile on my face.
May 12, 2018
This felt like the summary of a book Armstrong wanted to write rather than a novella. It could have been good, and did have some decent moments, but was incredibly rushed.
April 16, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up.
I’m always happy to revisit Nadia’s world! I love that Armstrong has kept it going in these novellas. The mystery itself was fine, I was into enough, but as usual I was here for Nadia and Jack and also as usual it didn’t disappoint. I wanted more of Nadia and less of the story (hence the 3.5 vs 4 stars) but the book was still very satisfying especially ! After a couple of disappointing releases for me by Armstrong, it was nice to be able to enjoy one of her books this much!
I’m always happy to revisit Nadia’s world! I love that Armstrong has kept it going in these novellas. The mystery itself was fine, I was into enough, but as usual I was here for Nadia and Jack and also as usual it didn’t disappoint. I wanted more of Nadia and less of the story (hence the 3.5 vs 4 stars) but the book was still very satisfying especially ! After a couple of disappointing releases for me by Armstrong, it was nice to be able to enjoy one of her books this much!
November 3, 2017
I thought I pre-ordered this, but I guess I did not.
Five stars for being just what I want out of this series.
Five stars for being just what I want out of this series.
October 19, 2023
Oh, loved this story, the connections to the Rockton series, the mystery, and that ending!
*Third Read June 5th, 2021*
This was such a great novella, I love that we have it! The story is so great, I love the characters and the developments! And again, I would still love to have more of this series, it's just so great to read!
*Second Read August 8th, 2018*
I really enjoyed reading this book again, such a great story, and so great to read! And love the crossover! Just a great read! I still hope for more from this series!
*First Read November 26th, 2017*
Oh, wow, this was such a great story! Yeah, more time with Nadia and Jack! So awesome, and the mystery was full of twists and turns, and I loved it! I hope we get more stories! Plus, love the crossover with the City of the Lost series!
*Third Read June 5th, 2021*
This was such a great novella, I love that we have it! The story is so great, I love the characters and the developments! And again, I would still love to have more of this series, it's just so great to read!
*Second Read August 8th, 2018*
I really enjoyed reading this book again, such a great story, and so great to read! And love the crossover! Just a great read! I still hope for more from this series!
*First Read November 26th, 2017*
Oh, wow, this was such a great story! Yeah, more time with Nadia and Jack! So awesome, and the mystery was full of twists and turns, and I loved it! I hope we get more stories! Plus, love the crossover with the City of the Lost series!
December 10, 2017
Kelley Armstrong's Nadia Stafford series is one of my favorites, so I am always happy to find something new, even novella length. For a short read, Perfect Victim packs a lot of action and tight plotting. Along with a visit with two of my favorite characters, even if they are hitmen!! (and woman).
I don't expect any more novels, but I would welcome more novellas.
I don't expect any more novels, but I would welcome more novellas.
December 26, 2021
After I did a Cainsville reread this summer, I went straight to doing a Nadia reread, and like with Cainsville discovered there was a novella I had never read before — one I already owned, so clearly I had been aware of it at some point but never got around to reading it. I enjoyed this just because I like these characters and Kelley Armstrong's writing, but it was a step down from Double Play for me, which was already a step down from the novels. I think Jack and Nadia were in separate locations for longer in Double Play, but it certainly FELT like they were apart longer here just because most of the novella wasn't really about their relationship. It was primarily focused on the mystery, which was fine, and I wouldn't want a bunch of forced drama just for the sake of it, and they're in a good and healthy place so that makes sense, but at the same time, if this was going to be so much more focused on the mystery, I would've liked the mystery to hook me better than it did. The mystery was less tied to Nadia and/or Jack (Quinn didn't even show up from what I remember, and Evelyn was restricted to like one phone call), which didn't help. Anyways, despite my complaints, I did enjoy this — I'll always be up for reading about what Nadia and Jack are up to, and , so it was worth reading for that scene alone.
May 3, 2021
Nadia Stafford is a grossly underrated series with so much untapped potential and it's a shame that there isn't more content for it outside of the trilogy and two novellas Kelley Armstrong has provided. It's a stretch to say that it's a perfect example of Kelley Armstrong's talent, but it does have it's own flare that sets it apart from her other adult series.
Nadia Staffard is a officer turned full time lodge owner, part time hit woman living in northern Ontario, taking hits for the mafia to pay the bills. A disgraced cop, Nadia hasn't had an easy life after witnessing the rape and murder of her cousin as a teenager to being kicked from the police force due to her own negligence on a case. The trilogy deals with some hard issues: rape, murder, child trafficking, cop brutality, exploitation of power, and mentions of suicide. For the most part, it's handled well enough, though lacking care in some parts and may be hard for some people to read. Justice is always served in the end and the main characters get their happy ending.
I also recognize that the Rockton series feels heavily inspired by the Nadia Stafford series. There's a lot of parallels between the characters and I couldn't really overlook them. A woman cop who was wronged in her past, carries trauma because of it, starts dating her aloof partner who she later unofficially marries, after he buys her a dog. Maybe it's because of the length of the Nadia Stafford series, but I feel like it was easier to digest in this series. Nadia's progression feels more evenly paced over the course of three books than Casey's progression felt over the course of 6 books.
On top of some of the harder issues addressed, the romance didn't really sit well with me and felt mediocre at best due to the characters inability to just TALK about their feelings. I wasn't particularly fond of the fact that one of the love interests who was painted as the 'better option' was 'nice guyed' and tore Nadia a new asshole when he found out she really wasn't interested in him anymore, resulting in him calling her some rather nasty things.
While it does get slow in some places, there's still plenty of action. Despite my gripes about the Nadia Stafford series, it's still worth a read if you're a fan of the Rockton series or Cainsville series or just a fan of Kelley Armstrong in general.
Nadia Staffard is a officer turned full time lodge owner, part time hit woman living in northern Ontario, taking hits for the mafia to pay the bills. A disgraced cop, Nadia hasn't had an easy life after witnessing the rape and murder of her cousin as a teenager to being kicked from the police force due to her own negligence on a case. The trilogy deals with some hard issues: rape, murder, child trafficking, cop brutality, exploitation of power, and mentions of suicide. For the most part, it's handled well enough, though lacking care in some parts and may be hard for some people to read. Justice is always served in the end and the main characters get their happy ending.
I also recognize that the Rockton series feels heavily inspired by the Nadia Stafford series. There's a lot of parallels between the characters and I couldn't really overlook them. A woman cop who was wronged in her past, carries trauma because of it, starts dating her aloof partner who she later unofficially marries, after he buys her a dog. Maybe it's because of the length of the Nadia Stafford series, but I feel like it was easier to digest in this series. Nadia's progression feels more evenly paced over the course of three books than Casey's progression felt over the course of 6 books.
On top of some of the harder issues addressed, the romance didn't really sit well with me and felt mediocre at best due to the characters inability to just TALK about their feelings. I wasn't particularly fond of the fact that one of the love interests who was painted as the 'better option' was 'nice guyed' and tore Nadia a new asshole when he found out she really wasn't interested in him anymore, resulting in him calling her some rather nasty things.
While it does get slow in some places, there's still plenty of action. Despite my gripes about the Nadia Stafford series, it's still worth a read if you're a fan of the Rockton series or Cainsville series or just a fan of Kelley Armstrong in general.
October 26, 2017
This was actually a book with two novellas, Double Play and Perfect Victim. I read Double Play some time back on Kindle. I couldn't find this book on Goodreads so posted Perfect Victim as an ebook.
Nadia Stafford lost her job in law enforcement after shooting the serial killer after she had arrested him. Now she runs a wilderness lodge in Canada, supplementing her income as a hitman, but only for assignments that she finds morally acceptable. Jack, the hitman who trained her, is now also her lover.
When hitman Tyrone Cypher shows up at her lodge he tries to hire them for a job that is right for Nadia (an innocent person in danger for doing the right thing); they decide to take the job protecting an attorney Cypher says he once had a relationship with. It also includes a first class all expenses paid trip to Honolulu. Seems a killer in Honolulu is targeting people in the family court system and lawyer Angela Kamaka is next on the killer’s list.
I really enjoy the Nadia Stafford series, and this novella threw in a tie to her Rockton series (which I also love). The story kept me guessing which way the story was going to lead me, and had a really fun surprise at the end.
Nadia Stafford lost her job in law enforcement after shooting the serial killer after she had arrested him. Now she runs a wilderness lodge in Canada, supplementing her income as a hitman, but only for assignments that she finds morally acceptable. Jack, the hitman who trained her, is now also her lover.
When hitman Tyrone Cypher shows up at her lodge he tries to hire them for a job that is right for Nadia (an innocent person in danger for doing the right thing); they decide to take the job protecting an attorney Cypher says he once had a relationship with. It also includes a first class all expenses paid trip to Honolulu. Seems a killer in Honolulu is targeting people in the family court system and lawyer Angela Kamaka is next on the killer’s list.
I really enjoy the Nadia Stafford series, and this novella threw in a tie to her Rockton series (which I also love). The story kept me guessing which way the story was going to lead me, and had a really fun surprise at the end.
November 3, 2017
Having been a huge fan of Nadia and Jack this is a very welcome visit. It also ties in with the new Rockton series, but you don't have to have read the series, although if you like Nadia, you'll like the new series too. Good mystery of who the murderer is and the thought processes of both Jack and Nadia, for once they aren't doing the hits. Quick reading fix for catching up with old friends in a good plot.
April 7, 2018
In the second follow up novella to the fabulous Nadia Stafford series, Nadia and Jack are persuaded to go to Hawaii by another assassin to protect a female lawyer after a series of suspicious deaths involving the family court.
As the clues point this way and that, can Nadia find out whodunnit?
Brilliant, as always the plot twists and turns so much as the clues point one way and then another.
Loved it.
As the clues point this way and that, can Nadia find out whodunnit?
Brilliant, as always the plot twists and turns so much as the clues point one way and then another.
Loved it.
November 19, 2017
I’m glad this was not just a trilogy
I read the first two Nadia books years ago and was upset when the third in the trilogy was supposedly permanently postponed. I was so happy when KA was able to complete the trilogy and am happy that there are more. This book felt like a ending but if there are more in this series, I’ll read them happily.
I read the first two Nadia books years ago and was upset when the third in the trilogy was supposedly permanently postponed. I was so happy when KA was able to complete the trilogy and am happy that there are more. This book felt like a ending but if there are more in this series, I’ll read them happily.
December 18, 2017
I can't complain. Armstrong continues to build up flawed, 3-dimensional characters that are hard to not fall in love with. I don't believe this was her strongest 'Nadia' series, but it was still fun and interesting. My only complaint: like most novellas, I wanted more. This could have easily stretched out into a longer story and I'd have no complaints at all.
November 25, 2017
I enjoy the Nadia series and totally excited that Kelley wrote a novella giving us more....even better... A cross-over with a character from The Casey Duncan series who amused me in the previous book Darkness Absolute!!! How could I not enjoy this!!! Nadia and Jack head to Hawaii for an unusual job; protecting a loved one from a murderer. Can they solve the murders before he strikes again?
April 12, 2018
I love the Nadia Stafford books. I love all of Armstrong's thriller/mysteries. The entire Nadia series is fantastic, and this book was no exception. Be careful to read them in order, though, as the characters and their relationships definitely have a progression.
It's hard to say more without spoilers, just know that this book was great, and I love the crossover with her Rockton series.
It's hard to say more without spoilers, just know that this book was great, and I love the crossover with her Rockton series.
June 21, 2019
Really a novella not a novel. Great fun: I just want more (hence the 4!). Also really cool to see Ty from the Rockton series appear in a Nadia Stafford novel. You don’t need to have read the Rockton books, but if you have, this is a perfect cross-over. A very nice straightforward thriller/detective story set in Hawaii, but with a team of contract killers doing bodyguard work and detecting.
January 4, 2020
I liked the mystery of this one but I will say I wasn't super involved with the story throughout. I had a couple of moments of being bored which hasn't happened in any of the previous Nadia Stafford books. That said, if you want a properly satisfying ending to Jack and Nadia's story I highly recommend reading this because it closes things off well.
May 12, 2020
An excellent addition to the Nadia Stafford stories! Nadia and Jack are two of my favorite characters by this author, and it's fun to see them again. The mystery isn't terribly complicated, but there are enough viable suspects to keep it interesting. And it's set in Hawaii! There's nothing I didn't like about this novella.
March 4, 2018
Loved it. Loved the crossover and having Tyrone Cypher in it. Loved the change of setting in Hawaii, and how well Kelley had her characters respond to such a different place. Loved the way the story progressed. She pretty much can't go wrong, to be honest.
March 6, 2019
Great read!
It is always a treat when Armstrong releases a Nadia Stanford story. Wish it had been a full novel, but we'll take what we can get. I absolutely love this character and this novella did not disappoint.
It is always a treat when Armstrong releases a Nadia Stanford story. Wish it had been a full novel, but we'll take what we can get. I absolutely love this character and this novella did not disappoint.
November 2, 2017
I just love Nadia and Jack. Excellent addition to their story arc. Would have been 5 stars, but every now and then, the nick-of-time thing got a bit old.
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