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Nadia Stafford #3.5, 3.6
Double Play / Perfect Victim
Both Nadia Stafford novellas Double Play & Perfect Victim.
Double Play
Life is good for Nadia and Jack. Their wilderness lodge business is booming, and they’re building a new home together, complete with a couple of dogs. It’s as close to normal as life gets…especially for a pair of contract killers.
But for Jack, semi-retirement is a dangerous proposition. There are plenty of people who don’t want to lose his services. He’s halfway around the world when one of those disgruntled clients comes for Nadia. And he has no way to warn her.
Perfect Victim
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.
Double Play
Life is good for Nadia and Jack. Their wilderness lodge business is booming, and they’re building a new home together, complete with a couple of dogs. It’s as close to normal as life gets…especially for a pair of contract killers.
But for Jack, semi-retirement is a dangerous proposition. There are plenty of people who don’t want to lose his services. He’s halfway around the world when one of those disgruntled clients comes for Nadia. And he has no way to warn her.
Perfect Victim
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.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2017
105 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
297 books33.6k 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 28, 2017
Double Play
I enjoyed this short novella. It was great returning to this series for a little while and getting to spend some time with Jack and Nadia. And while you can easily skip this novella as the trilogy wraps things up nicely, I do think it's a great extra for the fans of this series and it does adds something and furthers a few things.
The story centers about a bit of a mystery, Jack is in Ireland for a mission and Nadia is still at home at the lodge. Then on both sides they land in an investigation. I liked how it was told from both their point of views and it was absolutely necessary for the story too. The title seemed to fit the story too. The mystery/ suspense part was well done and there was a nice twist at the end when everything fell on it's place.
I really liked the scene were we see Nadia and Jack together and I liked how we got a bit more insight in their relationship and how things advanced a bit more here. I liked seeing the life they build together and their dogs and the lodge.
To summarize: This is great little extra for fans of this series. The novella tells a mystery and wrap everything up by the end and gives us some extra tidbits about Nadia and Jack's relationship. The dual pov worked great for this story and I liked the twist at the end wee everything fell on it's place. If you were hoping for one more adventure starring Jack and Nadia, I recommend you pick this up.
Perfect Victim
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 enjoyed this short novella. It was great returning to this series for a little while and getting to spend some time with Jack and Nadia. And while you can easily skip this novella as the trilogy wraps things up nicely, I do think it's a great extra for the fans of this series and it does adds something and furthers a few things.
The story centers about a bit of a mystery, Jack is in Ireland for a mission and Nadia is still at home at the lodge. Then on both sides they land in an investigation. I liked how it was told from both their point of views and it was absolutely necessary for the story too. The title seemed to fit the story too. The mystery/ suspense part was well done and there was a nice twist at the end when everything fell on it's place.
I really liked the scene were we see Nadia and Jack together and I liked how we got a bit more insight in their relationship and how things advanced a bit more here. I liked seeing the life they build together and their dogs and the lodge.
To summarize: This is great little extra for fans of this series. The novella tells a mystery and wrap everything up by the end and gives us some extra tidbits about Nadia and Jack's relationship. The dual pov worked great for this story and I liked the twist at the end wee everything fell on it's place. If you were hoping for one more adventure starring Jack and Nadia, I recommend you pick this up.
Perfect Victim
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.
September 11, 2018
As much as I enjoy Kelley Armstrong's books and as prolific as she is, my favorite series is the Nadia Stafford trilogy. Nadia is a disgraced cop now wilderness lodge owner who kills people on the side for money. I love her character. While I found the ending of the trilogy satisfying, I also thought it left some stuff out, maybe needed a good epilogue or something. I find that lack frequently in Armstrong's work overall but love that she regularly posts free short stories or writes short story collections revisiting finished works to provide the bow on top of the already wrapped package. This is the "or something" - two novellas which revisit Nadia, her hit man partner in all ways Jack, Evelyn, and Quinn for a look at where they are a few years after the series ended. It isn't for newbies but for big fans like me who are excited get to an additional glimpse into Nadia's world. Fans of Armstrong's Rockton series will also appreciate a cameo in the second novella. 5 stars for a fan but don't bother until you've read all 3 original books.
February 13, 2018
Most enjoyable. Start with the first one though.
February 8, 2018
These are two very good short stories that provide a bit more insight into Nadia and Jack's characters and further strengthen their relationship. I read Double Play last year as an ebook so I was pleased when it was realised in paperback with a new story, Perfect Victim. The story follows an investigation into a series of deaths and threats against a family court lawyer. Not the typical 'hit' job Nadia would take, but it lets us explore her ex-cop side a bit more and her insecurities. As always, I love the characters and while there's not as much banter as usual, I was still gripped by the story. Still my favourite author.
March 20, 2018
I was really happy about this book, and moreso that it gained enough popularity to be published in physical book form, otherwise I would not have read them, just because I'm not an ebook person. That being said, Nadia is one of my favorites and I wasn't particularly happy with the way the series ended. This dual novella provided more information that lent itself toward better resolution. However, that being said, I felt like Perfect Victim was less polished and it felt quite unfinished in terms of an individual resolution, though I liked the tie in with Rockton. All in all, I was overall pleased with it, but I felt like there was more that could have been done.
February 5, 2019
Two Nadia Stafford novellas that take place after the last book. Great follow up stories to the trilogy--you get to see Nadia & Jack's relationship evolve. The "jobs" they're sent on in the two stories are interesting and different from those in the trilogy, so also a nice touch. And, Tyrone Cypher, from Armstrong's Rockton series is introduced--cool series crossover!
Although the Nadia Stafford series is technical complete, theses novellas are an awesome way to touch base again with these great characters. I hope she does more every now and again.
Although the Nadia Stafford series is technical complete, theses novellas are an awesome way to touch base again with these great characters. I hope she does more every now and again.
April 28, 2018
Two short stories that bring back Nadia and Jack
I was sad when I finished the Nadia Stafford trilogy. I was emotionally involved with the characters, so I was excited to read these short stories.
Double play gives some more background on Jack’s early career in Ireland. Well written as is to be expected from Kelley Armstrong. Perfect Victim is more investigative and takes place on Hawaii and introduces Cypher from Kelley Armstrong’s next series.
I was sad when I finished the Nadia Stafford trilogy. I was emotionally involved with the characters, so I was excited to read these short stories.
Double play gives some more background on Jack’s early career in Ireland. Well written as is to be expected from Kelley Armstrong. Perfect Victim is more investigative and takes place on Hawaii and introduces Cypher from Kelley Armstrong’s next series.
December 10, 2017
These characters are some of my favourites! LOVE Jack and Nadia and their exciting adventures!! These two stories will not disappoint, especially the ending of the book!! So happy that they were realeased in paperback! Fingers crossed for more of these two!! 😙💖
December 16, 2017
Double Play - Jack is still surprised that Nadia is with him. He believes being with him puts her in danger, though Nadia can take care of herself. I love this addition to the Nadia Stafford series. 4.5 stars
Perfect Victim - So good! Great addition to the Nadia Stafford series. I was surprised at who the bad guy was. The ending is my favorite of the series. 4.5 stars
Perfect Victim - So good! Great addition to the Nadia Stafford series. I was surprised at who the bad guy was. The ending is my favorite of the series. 4.5 stars
September 14, 2018
Nadia owns an outdoor adventure camp. She also moonlights as a contract killer.
Why I started this book: Fun series, so I was happy to learn that there was more.
Why I finished it: Two novellas, made it easy to read. Great for a lunch break and a little more.
Why I started this book: Fun series, so I was happy to learn that there was more.
Why I finished it: Two novellas, made it easy to read. Great for a lunch break and a little more.
January 25, 2022
Loved that I got to read a little more from these characters as the 3 books did not feel enough. Absolutely love the character Nadia and her fellow hitmen. Glad she got the happy ending with Jack that she deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2018
it was good
September 22, 2018
Love this! Two new books in the Nadia Stafford series. The were both fantastic! I especially enjoyed the end of Perfect Victim.
October 19, 2018
3.5?? (If I believed in half star ratings)
March 25, 2019
Two novellas that include Jack, Dee and their lodge. Life is good, not retired just pulling back until someone from Jack's past decides to pull the other way
April 18, 2019
I have really come to enjoy these Nadia's adventures.
October 2, 2021
Not sure if Armstrong is going to write any more Nadia Stafford books, and this is the only one I hadn't read. Not bad at all, for a series about an anti-heroine.
June 12, 2023
A great read
This is a great book. I loved both stories and found it hard to put down. They both kept you guessing til the end. I loved that you got to hear from Jacks perspective.
This is a great book. I loved both stories and found it hard to put down. They both kept you guessing til the end. I loved that you got to hear from Jacks perspective.
March 23, 2025
some of my favorite bullshit (but you would need to start the series from the beginning)
March 7, 2022
Yes, I still enjoy reading the books in this crime thriller series. Nadia Stafford is still keeping me interested in her story for sure.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews