An Honorable Assassin

Nick Mason #3

by Steve Hamilton

Unknown

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Crime

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2024

About the author

Two-time Edgar Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Nick Mason series, The Lock Artist, and the Alex McKnight series. AN HONORABLE ASSASSIN (Mason #3) coming August 27, 2024!

Reviews

[Teju A · Rating 4 out of 5]

So our unexpected assassin isn't on his home turf anymore. He's been handled an international assignment and the catch is if he fails, his ex and child are on the chopping block!
He has now failed twice to get his target and the clock is ticking!

Solid 4 stars!!!!

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nick Mason appears to be a character in decline and hopefully this is a one-off.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Mason is finally back. An Hinorable Assassin by Steve hamilton is the third book and Nick is still caught in a bad place. He is flown into Jakarta to kill someone to save his family but it is not as easy as it should be. I have been a fan of Steve Hamilton since I discovered his Alex McKnight and so far everything he has written is great. I like this book because he puts Nick in a situation where he finds that things are not what it seems and the clash with a different culture is evident. It is as always well written and there are some twists that I rellay liked. I must thank Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for letting me read this advance copy. I really recommend that you try something by this author.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’ve been waiting for this sequel since 2017. It took me a bit to remember the story line. Nick Mason is a trained assassin owned by a shadow ops group who controls him by threatening his wife and child.

In this book we find Nick in Indonesia chasing the head of a terrorist organization.

Reads like a high octane movie. A little bit of Vince Flynn and a little bit of James Bond.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick Mason finds his way to Indonesia to execute a top terror fundraiser. Nobody knows what they're doing. Nick doesn't really know what's going on.

Every so often he shoots people. Some guy wants to get to America.

Very muddled.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Hamilton's An Honorable Assassin shows us an unusual hired killer. Nick Mason takes time out from his preparations for a kill to try and rescue a child about to be sold into sex trafficking. Maybe he does this because his own daughter is in danger. The people who have hired him have threatened to kill her and his ex-wife if he fails to kill Hashim Baya, the Crocodile. Interpol agent Martin Sauvage is part of the story. He blames Baya for being behind a terrorist attack that killed his wife and son and wants to arrest him. Mason needs to kill Baya to save his family. As the story continues, Mason and Sauvage find themselves imprisoned in a shed on an island with Baya as their captor. It is clear that more violence and intrigue are ahead. Sauvage's strategy is infiltrate, locate, and communicate. Mason's is to kill Baya and figure out who has compromised his assignment. The Indonesian setting adds more bad guys, remote islands, and a language barrier. What starts out as a typical three star thriller earns four stars by the end. Hamilton knows how to hold the reader's attention.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

"An Honorable Assassin" by Steve Hamilton, narrated by Ray Porter, is a masterful continuation of the Nick Mason series that takes the reader on a relentless journey through the dark underbelly of international crime.

Summary
In this 3rd installment, Nick Mason, a man who once enjoyed an idyllic life, finds himself entangled deeper in a world he desperately wants to escape. After being released from prison early, thanks to a deal with a powerful crime boss, Mason’s life is anything but free. He becomes a high-profile assassin under the control of his benefactor, forced to carry out dangerous missions to keep his loved ones safe. The narrative kicks off with Mason being dispatched to Jakarta, tasked with eliminating Hashim Baya, a notorious fugitive at the top of Interpol's most-wanted list. The mission is fraught with peril and moral ambiguity, setting the stage for an intense, high-stakes thriller.

Narrative and Pacing
Steve Hamilton’s writing is as sharp as ever, delivering a narrative that is both fast-paced and intricately plotted. From the very first chapter, the reader is plunged into a world of suspense and action, with Hamilton expertly weaving a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a note that compels the reader to continue. Hamilton balances high-octane action sequences with moments of introspection, providing a well-rounded narrative that delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist.

Character Development
Nick Mason remains a compelling and multifaceted character. His internal struggle between his desire for a normal life and the violent reality he is forced to live adds depth to his character. Hamilton does an excellent job of portraying Mason’s moral dilemmas, making him a relatable and sympathetic figure despite his profession. The introduction of Interpol agent Martin Sauvage, who has his own personal vendetta against Baya, adds another layer of complexity to the story. Their interactions are tense and charged, providing some of the most gripping moments in the book.

Themes and Motifs
The novel explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and survival. Mason’s journey is one of a man caught between two worlds – the life he wants to reclaim and the dangerous path he is forced to tread. The cost of freedom is a recurring motif, with Mason constantly weighing his actions against the safety of his loved ones. The moral ambiguity of his missions adds a layer of depth to the narrative, forcing readers to question what they would do in his position.

Narration
Ray Porter's narration is nothing short of spectacular. His deep, resonant voice captures the essence of Nick Mason, bringing out the character’s inner turmoil and determination. Porter’s ability to convey the tension and urgency of the plot adds another dimension to the audiobook, making it an immersive experience. His performance of secondary characters, especially the menacing tones of Hashim Baya and the driven determination of Martin Sauvage, enhances the overall storytelling.

Conclusion
"An Honorable Assassin" is a testament to Steve Hamilton's skill as a storyteller. The novel delivers a perfect blend of action, suspense, and character development, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Ray Porter's narration brings the story to life, adding depth and intensity to an already compelling narrative.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action-packed, intricate, and ominous!

In this compelling third instalment in the Nick Mason series, An Honorable Assassin, Hamilton has written an adrenaline-pumping thriller that sees the recently released prisoner Mason being swept away to Jakarta by an organization that expects him to execute the criminal mastermind and financier to the deadliest terrorist groups in the world, Hashim Baya before they decide to kill his ex-wife and daughter for the fun of it.

The writing is descriptive and tight. The characters are astute, tenacious, and resilient. And the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intense chapters that submerge you, page after page, into a world full of danger, deception, secrets, depravity, corruption, lies, arrogance, violence, and murder.

Overall, An Honorable Assassin is a cleverly woven, sinister, highly entertaining mystery with a good sense of urgency, great characterization, and a brisk pace that’s a fabulous addition to the Nick Mason series and a novel that really shouldn’t be missed.

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly received this book free, but did not know it was a third in a series, which does not help my review.

Not the the fastest pace thriller, not the most action packed thriller, okay pace, bu to me a little slow and confusing, last third was better. more action, very typical characters.

He was released from federal prison to a second life as an unwilling assassin, serving a major Chicago crime lord until the day he finally won his freedom.

But that freedom was a lie.

Now Mason finds himself on a plane to Jakarta, promoted to lead assassin for a vast shadow organization that reaches every corner of the globe. This time, there's only one name on his list: Hashim Baya--otherwise known as the Crocodile--international fugitive and #1 most wanted on Interpol's "Red Notice" list. Baya is the most dangerous and elusive criminal Mason has ever faced.

And for the first time in his career ... Mason fails his mission. Baya gets away alive.

There's only one thing he can do now: to save himself, his ex-wife, and his daughter, he must make this mission his life, hunting down the target on his own. But Mason isn't alone in his search, because for Interpol agent Martin Sauvage, apprehending Baya has become a personal vendetta. Sauvage is a man just as haunted as Mason. And just as determined.

Never have the stakes been so high, the forces surrounding him so great. Sauvage wants Baya in prison. Mason needs him in a body bag. Assassin and cop are on a five-thousand-mile collision course, leading to a brutal final showdown--and the one man in the world who can finally show Nick Mason the way to freedom.

Three stars

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as enjoyable as the first 2.
A bit slow, a tad confusing at times.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great thriller by Hamilton.
Mason is a hit man under the thumb of a shadow ops leader who prefers to remain anonymous. He was released from prison only to be taken into the organization and controlled by threats to his ex wife and their daughter.
In Jakarta, he is given his new assignment to kill an internationally known and feared violent criminal leader named Baya and tracks him as he moves about, failing in his mission to kill him on a couple of occasions.
In his quest, he meets up with an Interpol agent who also wants Baya dead and together they work to hunt him down.
An absolutely riveting thriller with non stop action, mayhem and intriguing side stories that completely
complement and enhance the main plot. The characters are finely tuned and their placement within the story, well crafted.
My first Nick Mason story but more than ready for the next one up.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been 7 years since Mr. Hamilton wrote a Nick Mason novel. It was worth the wait. Great characters, tension, action and some twists and turns.

[Kathy Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best in the series.
Also the author uses “waited a beat” or another iteration of that way, way too much.

[Jordi Soler · Rating 2 out of 5]

¡Ah, Mason, qué bajo has caído! Sigue siendo la misma fantasmada que los dos libros que lo preceden pero aquí a Hamilton se le ha ido tanto la olla que las desventuras de nuestro asesino favorito se convierten directamente en una mala parodia del James Bond más rancio. Se salva ligeramente porque se lee rápido y porque es entretenido, pero queda claro que el personaje nunca debió de salir de su Chicago natal. Al perder ese ambiente intimista se pierde también la capa de tensión y los pocos restos de credibilidad que mantenían el delicado equilibrio narrativo.

[Mysticpt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, just prefer not to read straight action books that much anymore 3+ stars

[James Old · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Fun read. Please stop defining every single foreign phrase that you use.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lethal assassin who operates in ever-shifting shades of grey.

Nick Mason made a bargain a while back in order to be released from federal prison 20 years early, and it was one he soon regretted. While he was free from a prison cell he was now a reluctant assassin for Chicago crime lord Darius Cole, knowing that if he did not do what he was ordered to do Cole would have Mason’s ex-wife Gina and daughter Adriana killed. When he finally killed Cole Mason thought he could leave that life behind, but found out that Cole was but a mid-level player in a much larger organization, one which had no intention of losing Mason’s services. He now finds himself in Jakarta, Indonesia, and within hours of his arrival he is expected to kill Hashim Baya, an independent sponsor of terrorism known as The Crocodile. Mason has a local team to support him headed by Torino (who doesn’t want Mason around,), Luna who acts as his spotter and back-up, and Farhan his driver and guide to navigating the unfamiliar culture. With little data provided and no time with which to formulate a plan it is little more than a exercise in suicide, but with a combination of skills and luck Mason survives the first aborted attempt and must make another. The head of the organization is determined to have Baya eliminated, and with Gina’s and Adriana’s lives hanging in the balance Mason has no option but to keep trying to get to Baya and kill him, but Baya remains a step ahead at each turn. Working in an unfamiliar territory with limited and often faulty intel with a support team whom he is unsure he can trust, and having attracted the attention of an Interpol investigator who has his own reasons to want Baya dead, Mason can only take one step after another to remove Baya from the board in time to save those he loves from horrible deaths….even if he himself dies in doing it.
The third in the Nick Mason series, An Honorable Assassin is a fast paced thriller tracking an anti-hero who is out of his element as he seeks to kill a man he doesn't know for reasons he doesn’t understand. His lethality is a commodity co-opted by an organization with far-reaching influence, and when he asks for answers is told that, “The bullet does not ask the gun why it was fired.”. Luna, who is another useful tool that the organization has under their control, tells Nick to stop clinging to a code of honor….she gave up long ago. But his love for Gina and Adriana gives him the strength to fight on, and while he has blood on his hands that he might never be able to wash away he does try to do some good along the way. Fans of Gregg Hurwitz, Mark Greaney and Harlan Coben should give this book and the preceding two titles in the series a try. Readers of author Steve Hamilton’s Alex McKnight series will find this a departure from those books, but a worthwhile read nonetheless. With a troubled but engaging protagonist, settings that veer between glamorous and squalid, and villains who really need killing, An Honorable Assassin delivers a terrific story. Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me early access to the latest thriller from an accomplished author.

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Mason was a federal prisoner who was released into the possession of a Chicago crime lord. He may have been free from jail, but now he was expected to be an assassin on command. At least until he gained his freedom.

It wasn’t really freedom, however, as the next thing he knew, he was flying to Jakarta to be in the employ of a shadowy global organization. He had one job: kill Hashim Baya, aka The Crocodile, one of the most dangerous fugitives in the world. And he failed.

Of course, his failure to kill Baya isn’t taken quite well by his employer. They threaten to kill Nick’s wife and daughter if he doesn’t put Baya down once and for all. And after one failure, Baya’s team is on high alert to protect their guy.

To make matters even more challenging, Nick and his employer aren’t the only ones trying to hunt Baya down. Martin Sauvage, an Interpol agent, holds The Crocodile responsible for tragedies in his own life. But while Sauvage wants Baya to pay for his crimes, Nick just wants him dead. Who will succeed first?

This book has some fantastic action scenes that read like a movie. The opening scene was tautly plotted and had me holding my breath even though I knew the whole book needed to unfold. The book felt as if you mixed a little bit of James Bond with the competitive nature of Valjean and Javert.

Steve Hamilton is a fantastic writer who really should be a household name. He’s written a number of books, including a spectacular crime series featuring PI Alex McKnight. This is the third book featuring Nick Mason, and being that the last one was released seven years ago, it can be read as a standalone. If you like crime novels, Hamilton is an author worth exploring.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.

[Komal · Rating 1 out of 5]

i didnt read the first 2 books, just picked up this one at the library and it looked interesting enough.

so incredibly predictable and just overall had no character depth or complexity. also its a bit hard to follow the characters at first but i think the author tried to do that on purpose but it kinda leaves the reader confused more in a I'm not gonna read anymore way and less a oh wow i wonder whats going to happen way.

it's a shame the author used Islam in a negative manner as a plot point, especially in this day and age. centring the novel in Indonesia and having the narrative be so Islamaphobic is just ignorant.

i will hand it to him, he is semi educated on both the language and culture he wrote about and it is stuff that should be talked about but i don't know if this author is the right person to be starting the conversation, especially in the way he wrote about it.

like this dude has white savior complex about the 9 year old girl and he knows, farhan keeps telling him and god knows all the other signs but he just cant seem to let it go and actually ends up traumatizing her more then if he has just left her alone. oh! and he is still hooked up about his ex wife and kid who got remarried and are living a settled life, and you can tell the author is a guy from how he talks about about he doesn't have any human desires anymore but ends up sleeping with the girl anyways and is clearly into her.

Just overall i didnt like this at all and was blind reading it and finished it for the sake of it but its not worth it, but if u did like it, James Patterson has a very similar writing style to this.

[Paul Sand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Consumer note: $5.99 for the Kindle version at Amazon.

I, however, shelled out $9.99, because I put in my order when the book was announced. It's the third book in his "Nick Mason" series, previous entries being The Second Life of Nick Mason and Exit Strategy.

Spoiler for that last one: Nick's "exit strategy" from his life as a gangster's "ninja" (i.e., hired killer) didn't work out well: he's simply been transferred to a different puppet master, even shadier than the gangster. But one thing doesn't change: Nick's being coerced into his violent behavior by credible threats against his ex-wife and daughter.

So: Nick is sent off to Indonesia to take out a terrorist. He's working with a small team of people, and nobody seems to like him much. And, worse, his assassination attempt ends in dismal failure (but much carnage). So they must regroup and try again. (And again. And again.) Nick goes through a lot of mental and physical anguish, and a lot of bodies pile up along the way. And, yes, there's a setup for the next book in the series.

I got a chuckle out of some dialog on page 168, where the bad guy snarls at Nick: "You need to stop acting like this is some kind of cheap American action movie." For better or worse, I'd been thinking that this book was extremely suitable to be made into an American action movie. Maybe not a cheap one, but…

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

As are the other Nick Mason books, this one has extreme violence and extreme language. I do not recommend these books to the faint of heart or to most people. Listening is worse than reading.

I don't really see the language or internalize the violence or language issues when I am reading the paper copy. If I just had to listen, I don't think I'd want to continue with this series. I did listen to the audio a few times when I was with my husband. Ray Porter does an excellent job reading, as always; which almost makes up for the problems.

So why have I been continuing to read this series, other than because my husband also wants to? The title of this book is a good representation of the character of Nick Mason. There's something about the contrast between Nick's honor and the evil he's surviving against. It is a good versus evil story. Most of the time, it is clear who the bad guys are, though this one gets the reader questioning a few times. The main character is clearly good and also very human. It's easy to sympathize with his situation. He loves deeply and acts as honorably as he can. He seems true to himself and what he believes on a higher level. Between those qualities, the compelling storytelling, and Ray Porter's reading, I will probably read the next in the series if there is one.

I did prefer the first two books. We read all three pretty much back to back, with no real waiting in between. I understand why the reviewers who waited years for this, or who have only read this one, didn't like it. It's important to have the backstory.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Honorable Assassin A Nick Mason Novel by Steve Hamilton was the perfect read for me at the right time. The title alone piqued my interest.

Okay, so, I see that others were not so pleased with this story, they compared it to other Nick Mason books. BUT this was my first Nick Mason. Everything I know about Nick, I learned in this book, so I have nothing to judge against it.

Nick was given a get out of jail free card if he worked for the government. He is sent to Indonesia to kill a very bad man. He is not allowed to see his ex-wife and daughter in Colorado in person, but he can see their images. His wife and daughte are threatened and this brings out his sensitive side. To appease his own conscience he rescues a nine year old girl who was sold into trafficking. He reunites her with her family.

It takes three attempts to pull off this mission. There are struggles, glitches, problems, life and death issues, and all the componenets we like in this genre. The writing is sharp. Staccato as is expected in this type of story. Nick tells most of the story.

For me, it was a great read and so I bought another Nick Mason book today.

[Elizabeth F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot, but it wasn’t as developed as the other two. I experienced the same problems with my level of investment in the characters, and was frustrated at points with the behavior of some characters that didn’t really make sense to me with who they were. There are several plot points that don’t get completely tied up and it feels like it’s trying to recreate dynamics between characters with slightly different ones that were in the first two books but it feels derivative of them as a result. The figure of the “boss” in this one is way less characterized as well. Also there is one not very descriptive short spicy scene just as a heads up, but it happens in a place that to me makes no sense, and the writer tends to write it as “inevitable” as if the characters had no control over their desire which just felt a little weird to me. The plot kept me interested, but there as a lot left to be desired here.

[Mystic Forest Crafts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros:

I love seeing how Nick works around what is required of him by doing what he can to make things better for others. No one made him care about children it is just a core part of his being. I love that it shows that a person who has made bad choices isn’t evil and sometimes people who do everything right are terrible.

Cons:

Part of me loves that Nick is out of his comfortable surroundings and that we get to see him work to adjust and figure things out but most of me hates it. Yes it is interesting and realistic but part of the draw was seeing how Nick tried to fit back into a world that continued after he went away. Getting rid of all his support and his knowledge of the area gives a challenge but it also takes away some of the magic of learning about the city as he knew it and what it became.

[David Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

After enjoying Steve Hamilton’s wonderful Alex McKnight novels, I’m not sure how I missed all three of the Nick Mason series. Listening to the audiobook version while out on my evening walk, I ended up trudging an extra few miles…as it was impossible to stop listening to this novel. While I like to think of myself as at least somewhat adept at making predictions about what might happen next in a story, I was completely off-base throughout this book. Indeed, “An Honorable Assassin” was filled with more twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster. Along with great character development, Hamilton crafted a high octane plot that was impossible to put down. Now, as I unintentionally picked up the third book in the series instead of starting in order, I am now looking forward to reading the first Nick Mason book.

[Meaghan Mains · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Honorable Assassin started out like a bullet fired from a gun; fast action and introduction to characters that had mission after mission, covert operations, backstabbing, a sub-plot about the character’s motivations, and a mole. It is the perfect blend of a spy thriller with action-packed storytelling.

The action and suspense are always present, even when the trio is planning out the next move and mission. If they are not working on an angle, there is a backstory being explained about the characters, the shadow organization, or we are following the side story of Sauvage, the Interpol agent working on the same case.

Read the full review here: An Honorable Assassin review

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve not read the earlier entries in the Nick Mason series, but that didn’t matter one bit with this powerhouse of a book. Fans of high-octane, action-adventure stories will gravitate to this tale of an anti-hero who kills (bad) people for a living but still clings to some semblance of his humanity.

What sets this apart from your garden variety adventure novel is Hamilton’s writing. His command of language and description results in a vivid and well-plotted tale.

My first experience reading Hamilton’s work was The Lock Artist which was on my “Best Of” list for 2010. Now that I know there are other Nick Mason books, I’ll be adding those to my TBR list for sure.

Fans of Robert Crais, Nick Petrie, and Tom Clancy will certainly enjoy this one. Recommended.

[Susan Krutzler · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. Of the two books so far, I liked this one the least. First of all, too long between releases. Second of all, it was a tad confusing and there were too many storylines briefly touched upon and never delved into. Like his wife and daughter. Never did we get the status of what that situation was. And with Belani and their relationship and what became of it at the end of the book. It was left hanging. Some of the character depths were not explored and it was all action action action. Even with Luna. That would have been another to explore but it was just touched upon. So many good storylines that If we had some depth to it it would have really made the story more intriguing and emotional. Action packed? For sure. It was good but could have been better.

[Mike Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action. A lot of action. A lot of hang on to your seat action. If you like action, you'll love An Honorable Assassin. Did I mention Steve Hamilton's latest Nick Mason thriller has a lot of action? Seriously, Hamilton reminds us with each book why he is an award winning author. Both his Alex McKnight and Nick Mason books are essential reads for any fiction lover. An Honorable Assassin grips you from the start and simply doesn't let go. Mason has a lot of challenges to overcome in this one--especially since he is no longer on familiar turf. There are new locations populated by new characters who Mason may or may not wish he'd met. However, I must point out there are some breaks from the action and Hamilton deftly handles those scenes. As much as this book focuses on action and adventure, the heart of this story is family. Thoughts of family is a constant shared by multiple characters in this terrific thriller. This riveting read will leave you hoping there's another Nick Mason adventure in the near future.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third in the Nick Mason series finds the contract killer in Indonesia. His task is to kill a terrorist kingpin, Baya, who is heavily guarded. Along the way, an Interpol officer, Sauvage, gets involved to the extent that he and Mason are working together. Both have their reasons to kill this man - Mason's family will be killed if he doesn't succeed, Sauvage's wife and son were killed in a terrorist bomb financed/organized by Baya. Plenty of blood and language, including another story line about child slavery/exploitation. Mason's values include trying to rescue a 9 year old Indonesian girl from a terrible future. Plenty of thrills and impossible situations for our hero/anti-hero Mason.