The Former Assassin

by Nikki Stern

Suzanne Foster---wife, mother, former assassin--- wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead.

After decades as Victor Kemp's off-the books killer, Suzanne finally quits. Not until five years later does Kemp discover how thoroughly she's deceived him. Determined to punish her, he tracks her to Wales to watch her die. Instead, he walks into a trap.

Believing themselves safe at last, Suzanne and her family relocate to London, where she hopes to find the peace that has eluded her for so long. Her son is engaged to a nobleman's daughter; her husband has a good job with British Intelligence. Yet she still struggles with restless dreams and the premonition that her nemesis has survived.

He has: Kemp, though severely injured, is rebuilding his empire and plotting revenge. He's prepared to risk everything to end the former assassin. He may not be the only one.

Suzanne has no choice: to protect those she loves, she will be forced to kill again. Assassins, it seems, can never retire

Genres: Suspense, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

308 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Author of both non-fiction and fiction, including the four-book Sam Tate Mystery Series (available in three formats) and perennial favorite, HOPE IN SMALL DOSES: Reasonable Happiness in Unreasonable Times

I love book clubs, Pilates, and dogs. I dislike the passage of time, but it happens anyway.

Reviews

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

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers and the author for an ARC Copy of this explosive action packed page turner of a book.

Susan Foster wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead.

After decades as Victor Kemp’s off-the books killer, Suzanne finally quits. Not until five years later does Kemp discover how thoroughly she’s deceived him. Determined to punish her, he tracks her to Wales to watch her die. Instead, he walks into a trap.

Believing themselves safe at last, Suzanne and her family relocate to London, where she hopes to find the peace that has eluded her for so long. Her son is engaged to a nobleman’s daughter; her husband has a good job with British Intelligence. Yet she still struggles with restless dreams and the premonition that her nemesis has survived.

He has: Kemp, though severely injured, is rebuilding his empire and plotting revenge. He’s prepared to risk everything to end the former assassin. He may not be the only one.

Suzanne has no choice: to protect those she loves, she will be forced to kill again. Assassins, it seems, can never retire!!

This author has created a multi level gripping, very clever, fast paced thriller of a story, filled with an array of great strong characters, realistic scenarios, with a collection of twists that leave you with a action packed thriller of an ending.

The strength in this book is the strength in the characters in this story.

Congratulations Ms Nikki Stern

Five stars

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

She gave up everything for her job and the boss from Hell. Now assassin Suzanne Foster is done, it’s time to retire and finally live the life she has only dreamed of. But Victor Kemp has other ideas for his prized employee, his severance package includes death, Suzanne’s.

In an edgy tale of deceit, murder, intrigue and a testimony of the things we’ll do for love, one woman will fight for her family, her freedom and her life.

Looking for a fast-paced thriller to sink your teeth and your time into? Do you enjoy twists of deceit or look forward to those dark pasts coming back to haunt the main character? Want to see some hard-boiled action that will have you hanging on each page?

As long as you don’t need a snowy-pure hero or heroine, and don’t mind tarnished characters caught up in the webs they weave, THE FORMER ASSASSIN by Nikki Stern is a world of intrigue that never lets up!

Strong characters, bad guys, and a global game of hide ‘n’ seek make for a powerful reason to get lost in a book that will leave you breathless. Remember, NEVER mess with a woman's family.

I received a complimentary Review Copy from Nikki Stern as part of a Blog Tour Review.

Publisher: Ruthenia Press (January 3, 2018)
Publication Date: January 3, 2018
Genre: Suspense
Print Length: 311 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling, engaging tale of a former assassin who is a woman I can believe in! This is such an exciting ride as we learn of Susan Smith,assassin for a wealthy, corrupt man. Most times when I read about a female in such a vocation, I like the story okay but the woman doesn't quite connect. The woman in this story, Susan,connects completely and drags you along beside her! A marvelous woman who is wonderful at her job, finally trying to 'retire' after years working for a man she never trusted. Her exploits are told over many missions in different countries, featuring the wealthy, poor,moral and amoral. This is a story that touched my emotions as i hide on a roof with Susan,while she attempt to do what she has done all her life, make the kill shot!
I highly recommend this story to readers of Mark Dawson,Michael Lister, Lee child ..All who enjoy a superb action adventure..I rate this story with 5 Golden Stars!!

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that start with a hook, a glimpse of the present and then jumping to the past for the explanation of current events. Nikki Stern did that very well in The Former Assassin.

An unfortunate incident set the path for Susan that led her to Kemp. Now, he had her under his control, but she wanted out.

She is in love and it will unravel her life and break her heart.The choices she makes will bring her to her knees. Anguish and despair are the least of her worries, her life is in danger.

Even though she is an assassin, I love assassins and I can empathize,sympathize and fear for her.

I felt Part I could have been a novella, but I am so glad it isn’t. Nikki Stern misdirected me in such a way, she had me fooled and that is not an easy thing to do. I was lulled into a sense of ‘I know where this is going,’ so I didn’t feel that sense of urgency to find out what happens next. HA! Now, she is going to twist and turn me into Part II and I am looking forward to finding out what is hidden behind her words.

A sense of danger lurks…Revenge. Kemp should be careful how far he pushes her. Everyone has their breaking point and sometimes the cost is more than you want to pay.

How can she kill for work…for a job?

It wasn’t like she had choices.

Is something wrong with her?

Will she ever be able to quit?

Retire?

Have a family with children?

The danger and suspense is subtle. I knew something was coming, but not what and I do enjoy when an author keeps me on the fence…teetering this way and that as I try to figure it out before I get there.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Former Assassin by Nikki Stern.

See more at fundinmental

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Today is not a good day to die" Thus starts The Former Assassin. The story tells the tale of Susan Foster, also Suzanne, who is a former assassin, working for Viktor Kemp as a top executive in his company, while her other life is to get rid of people that Viktor wants gone. Susan wants out and after 20 plus years she tells him she is done.
Five years later she finds that he has not forgotten. He has someone try to kill her but it does not work out.
Viktor finds out where she and her husband and son are and tries to have them killed. They are still alive and in hiding and Susan has to live without them to protect them. While Viktor is on his yacht with his son and trusted employees, the yacht is blown up killing Viktor and his son. Or did it?
The Former Assassin is character driven, a story of revenge, loss, and redemption. This book grabbed me from the very first page and held my attention. A lot of suspense and characters that you love or hate. I enjoyed it!

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re lingering at the airport bookstore, flipping through amazon, or browsing your local bookstore and you are hungry for something fun to read. It’s got to be quick but it’s also got to be intelligent. Something that grabs your interest and wraps you up in that totally personal cocoon of familiarity, escape and surprise where all of us who read for enjoyment go.

What’s the answer to your search? "The Former Assassin." The new release by author Nikki Stern that propels her into the big leagues. Writers like Baldacci or Lee Child. The tone and tempo of a cold war novelist. A book you finish with the thought, “When is the movie coming out?”

What makes the story so engaging? First, it's the people. These aren’t just characters, they are people you want to know. They are people with some depth, an amazing feat in a read this quick. There is a world-weariness in Suzanne that makes you respect her immediately. But even more than that, there is the common struggle of making and sustaining families, communities, and the friends that really are family. What comes alive in this story is that struggle we all share in trying to make good lives for ourselves. Keeping those we love safe in an unsafe world.

The picture of evil in this unsafe world comes alive because it goes beyond simplistic “good guy versus bad guy.” Evil is systemic. Forces playing upon each other, whipping up the kind of evil that seeps into your bones.

Played out against a background that takes the reader all over the world, this is an action packed story that will leave you with only one question, “When’s the movie coming out?”

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable romp.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It hooked me from the first page. Told from the first person view of Susan Smith, the former assassin, and her former boss, Mr. Kemp/Guzman/Kruger. This is a good old fashioned spy thriller about an assassin who retires after working, begrudgingly, for a man who thinks he has killed her family. Once she convinces him to let her retire at age 50, she begins to carry out her plot to avenge the wrongs done to her. The attempt is not entirely successful, and she spend the next couple hundred pages trying to end him.

If you are a fan of James Patterson, or Robert Ludlum, this story is well developed, and the characters are believable. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Stern.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne went to working for Victor Kemp. Victor is a controlling person. Suzanne (Susan Smith) works as a security person for her career but does long distance kills for Victor over the years. She falls in love, marries and has a son. They fake her family's death to protect them and she goes on working for Victor until one day she retires. She goes with her husband & son to Wales but eventually Victor finds them. Suzanne is always ready for him. They set it up to kill him before he can kill them. His son dies but he survives though badly hurt. He changes his name and she is feeling safe when his other son shows up and shoots her son. Now they have to end Victor and those who might do them harm. The story keeps you involved from start to finish.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a strong female protagonist operating against a backdrop of international intrigue, The Former Assassin will keep you on the edge of your seat. The reader walks with Suzanne every step of the way as she tries to pay a debt she was forced to incur and just live a normal life, whatever that would look like for a professional killer. Despite her untoward past, I found myself pulling for her. The action scenes are exhilarating and reminiscent of cold war spy novels.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and up late many nights, long past my bedtime and despite headaches, because I had to know what happened next. The characters are captivating and the plot twists wonderful. Suzanne Foster is a deep, complicated protagonist who you find yourself growing attached to as the story moves. If you love an exciting, page-turning thriller, this book is for you.

[Judy Sonnenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Former Assasian is a great read. I found it to be engaging and exciting. The main character is complex and intriguing - and I love that it’s a woman! This action packed book is a real page turner you won’t be able to put down.

[Barby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this from beginning to end. What a great ride! The characters are well developed and real, and the ending does not disappoint. I highly recommend this book, and I hope to see more from Ms.Stern

[Lavender]

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I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent storyline about a vengeful man who does what he can to ruin the life of a former employee who dared to leave him. Lots of action.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stern's novel is a good one for readers who like long prose passages of descriptions, character thoughts, and back story as well as scenes with lots of action. A new character or event was introduced, for example, followed by pages of background information bringing the reader up to speed. I like such information being provided through dialogue or scenes with action, but that's my preference.

I found Stern's writing style a bit unusual, including different points of view. Scenes revolving around the main character, Suzanne the former assassin, are from her point of view and are written in the present tense. Scenes where Suzanne is not present are written in the universal viewpoint with the more traditional past tense. I found the changes in writing style a little disconcerting, especially when Suzanne was present in the scene but not the main focus and hence the latter point of view and tense.

I felt the former assassin, Suzanne, was a character not well developed. This may have been intentional on the author's part. Suzanne was an assassin for decades as well as a wife and mother. Such a life may have meant maintaining little emotion in order to mentally survive. Having Suzanne as a flat character in the novel could be a reflection of a mental survival strategy.

I do recommend this novel to readers who like a character driven mystery with long prose passages interspersed with scenes of great suspense. You'll meet some really nefarious characters too. The novel kept my interest to the end but I must admit I skimmed over some of the long prose passages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the dynamics of this story. I guess it truly is true that you can't fully "retire" as an assassin. Suzanne learned this the hard way, when her former employer, Victor Kemp comes after her.

It is easy to see why Suzanne was one of the best in the business. She showcased her skills very nicely as she went up against Victor. Although, he showed that he had smarts as well. A very good battle of wits between these two.

Author, Nikki Stern dishes up a really good storyline with equally good characters in The Former Assassin. This book has plenty of action as well and the tone of the story moves along quickly. I want to read more by this author.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was cold outside with the snow and the wind howling. I needed to curl up with a book in front of the fire. Five paragraphs into The Former Assassin, I forgot about the world outside. I don’t know if I was enmeshed, entrapped, enraptured, or enthralled. Perhaps it was all four. All because of a woman named Susan J. Smith, had led an interesting life, if you are familiar with the ancient Chinese curse.

I shouldn’t find a professional killer to be appealing. I shouldn’t have empathy for her. Not her life as an assassin. But I did. Nikki Stern did that. A book about an assassin ordinarily would have been a two-dimensional character in one of those books you find at an airport kiosk. Nikki Stern went beyond that by creating the book you are desperately looking for when you want something of substance to read. Susan was flesh and bones real. She lived, and she loved. She had a family. She had a backstory, and she had a nemesis.

How do you root for a hired killer, an assassin, all right, a “former” assassin? I did. You will too. I lost track of time and space as I followed this journey with Susan, now Suzanne, and her family. The blizzard raged outside as I was engulfed by the real characters created by Ms. Stern. Real in all three dimensions. Real as that they were plausible. Real that it evoked emotions from this reader. I couldn't put it down. A book that is written in both 3D and Technicolor. This is the ultimate thriller of the year. Five stars to Nikki Stern.

And back to my snowstorm.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thriller grabbed me from the very start, and not just because it does what all great tales does, plunking me down on a cold beach, in medias res, with the narrator facing...well, OK, I won't spoil it, but a very tight narrative spot.

From there, it's off to the races, across continents and settings, galloping across the playgrounds of the rich and amoral (also the rich and moral, as well!), balanced and constructed exceedingly carefully.

It's deftly woven and tightly constructed, full of cinematic detail.

I can easily see this novel being developed by one of the streaming content creators out there (are you listening, Hulu? Netflix? Amazon?) and turned into an outstanding miniseries that would satisfy both action fans and drama addicts.

And hey, as a bonus, maybe the lead role could be played by one of the many Hollywood women whose careers we now know were cut short by...a disgusting, nearly untouchable powerful man with unknown, hidden enforcers in shadowy places...

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Goodreads for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. Nikki Stern’s The Former Assassin is a story that is hard to put down.
Suzanne was blackmailed into becoming an assassin for Victor Kemp, a businessman whose legitimate business covers his illegal activities. Kemp has total control over her life. When she falls for her language instructor, they are secretly married and start a family. When Kemp arranges an “accident” for her family she continues her work for a time, but soon walks out on Kemp, a decision that he does not accept gracefully. He becomes obsessed with punishing her.

Suzanne grew up without family support. As a result, she is a strong woman.
She is aware of Kemp’s obsession and does not let her guard down even when Kemp’s death is reported. Stern keeps the reader guessing as she continuously throws twists into her story. It is a rollercoaster ride from the beginning to the end, a ride that you hate to see end.

[Susan Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read ... the central character, Suzanne who IS the former assassin, is fierce, smart and unrelenting when it comes to protecting those she cares about. A complicated woman who has lead a very complicated life. Truth be told, I took my time finishing this book; not because it wasn’t gripping and enthralling (because it absolutely was both of those), but because I did not want it to end. Loved the storyline, loved the characters ... will be recommending to my book club; I really think they will enjoy this book!! I would very much recommend this to all!

[Janeadams Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you buy the author's premise - that a smart woman who kills her roommate's drug dealer would choose being blackmailed into becoming a powerful man's assassin rather than have her clearly justifiable homicide revealed to the authorities - then this story of how and why she works for him for nearly two decades is a lively and diverting thriller. If you don't, you won't care about how she falls in love, has a child, and doesn't kill her boss when he tells her he's had them murdered in what appears to be an accident. If you do, you'll stay with this interesting mystery until the denouement.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Former Assassin is definitely the suspense read of the summer!

Strong writing plus a complex plot add up to an intense story where you can never guess the next move.

Susan Foster never intended to be an assassin. She’s not some femme fatale badass out to take on the world. The former member of the military is skilled and highly trained and blackmailed into a life she never wanted by uber-villain, Victor Kemp.

Kemp appears to be a man of limitless wealth and power and he demands total control. But, make no mistake, he is a thug. Susan has nothing but contempt for the man and sees him as a monster in a suit. But she has no other option than to do his bidding. He can take away her freedom… or worse.

Susan has highs and lows and is able to steal moments of joy during her time with Kemp, and he takes a sadistic delight in marring—or attempting to erase—those times. Usually, there is something in a villain’s life which allows you to see them as human. For me, Victor didn’t have that something.

She tries to distance herself from him and her assignments, believing it’s professional and not personal but when she walks away twenty-five years later, Kemp wants revenge, and everything becomes personal.

A strong woman needs an equally strong man and Susan has that in husband, Brian Foster. He never thought less of Susan for what she did and married her despite it. His respect for her is as deep as his love, and he believes he is stronger for having her in his life. They weather losses and bad times and make heartbreaking sacrifices during their unconventional marriage, but they allow nothing to weaken them as a couple.

With all the murders, lies, secrets and spies, The Former Assassin may sound like a raw, gritty read, but it packs as much emotion as it does treachery and betrayal. There is no honor among thieves but sometimes, even family doesn’t get a pass.

A confident, intelligent heroine who’s the first in line to admit her mistakes, surrounded by strong characters who empower each other, and a super-smart villain you’ll be itching to smack make this a read you don’t want to miss.

Enjoy!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done thriller! My rating 4.5.

Suzanne took a rash act of revenge over a friend in college. That one mistake put her under the thumb of a vicious, controlling business tycoon. Victor Kemp hired Susan as a security chief but more importantly as his off the books assassin. When Susan unexpectedly falls in love it is a threat to Kemp’s control. Rather than allow her to leave his employ and have a family, Kemp will eliminate them.

Susan continues for decades in reluctant and intimidated service to Kemp. Finally, she walks out choosing to go into hiding to thwart Kemp’s rule that no one retires from his organization.

Kemp is obsessed with continuing his control over Susan, even if it means killing her.
Five years after she walked out Kemp finds Susan and attempts to kill her. Instead he and his cohorts, including his eldest son, are eliminated by a surprise trap. But Suzanne can’t shake the feeling that she and her family are still in danger. Her son is about to marry a nobleman’s daughter and she wants to insure they can marry and live safely.

She is right to listen to her gut. Kemp has survived and built a new empire as he plans his ultimate revenge against Susan. Fortunately, Suzanne is no longer rash, nor alone. She now has family members who are skilled and prepared to back her up…knowing they can’t stop her from doing what she feels she must to protect her family.

Susan/Suzanne is a complicated character. She has great confidence and poise in some things but is vulnerable in her aloneness and self-doubts. Ms. Stern builds the suspense wonderfully. Just as the reader thinks a situation is resolved, a twist moves the characters to the next level. The last third of the book had me turning pages to discover what happens. And there are twists all the way to the end.

Well done! I recommend this to readers who like a well plotted suspense with strong characters.

Source: Partners in Crime. My review and tour giveaway posted on 8/29 at my blog:
https://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com...

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

In an Oyster Shell – I really liked this book that was full of intruige and featured an MC that was middle age but was still kick butt.

The Pearls – There is a lot of talk about diverse characters. I know that it usually comes down to one aspect of diversity. (which in my opinion is not true diversity) It is not as common to have a middle age character especially one that is a former assassin. I found myself really enjoying Suzanne which I would consider a diverse character. She was unique and I liked her a lot. In some ways she was pretty straightforward in others she was quite complicated.

There was a good push and pull between the good characters and the bad. The antagonist of this book was ever so despicable. I enjoyed the layer of the story that was woven in with this character. In the end, he really was a bad guy but there were subtle nuances that still made him human. I was super impressed that I was just as engrossed in his side of the story as I was Suzanne.

I liked the MC motivation. She was fighting her family but it was really a fight for the equilibrium of normalcy. It was a cause the reader could get behind and cheer Suzanne on as she figured her way to accomplish that.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne Foster worked for over two decades for Victor Kemp, ostensibly as his chief of security in a legitimate company but more importantly as one of the contract killers for his illegitimate enterprises. She didn't expect to fall in love and has every reason to expect Victor would take her choice of a life partner poorly. He does. She continues to work for him despite some personal bumps. The story focuses on her attempt at retirement and to live a "normal" life. "The Former Assassin" twists continuously and while every clue is there and each twist is believable, it still feels surprising enough to be supremely satisfying. Although there are plenty of thriller aspects to the story itself and connected with the roles of those in government intelligence, in human trafficking, who carry out calculated and gruesome murders and quietly "necessary" murders, the book also reads a bit like a Cosy Thriller and it works. Stern entertains throughout in what appears to be her first novel. It reads like the work of an experienced best selling writer, face paced and entertaining with great characters of dubious morality. Buy it! I appreciate having been able to read this on #netgalley

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a Kindle version from Goodreads. A good story with twists and turns about a woman that was a hired assassin for 25 years. Her employer does not take it kindly and feels it is a betrayal when she wants to stop. He attempts to kill her but there is an explosion and she believes she has killed him. The story includes a secluded husband and child, a mistress, illegitimate children, more killing. I couldn't reconcile that it appeared she had no remorse for killing people and her family accepted that.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suzanne is an assassin who wants out, but her employer refuses, and even plans the murder of her husband and newborn. Once she does escape the story slows down to a snail’s pace: all of a sudden it’s a story about relationships - good and bad. The assassin in Suzanne seems to have disappeared and so does the reader’s interest. I received an advanced digital copy through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah Gaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, thrillers are not my preferred reading genre. But I've read non-fiction from this author, and know her to be an intelligent, detailed, and thoughtful writer, who will go to great lengths to get it right. I was not disappointed by her shift to fiction. I believed her main character, Suzanne, and the world Nikki painted reveals a new side to this author that I find fascinating and cautionary: Don't come up against Nikki in a dark alley.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really recommend this to anyone who enjoys a stellar thriller with twists and turns from start to finish. The author does switch points of view - it’s mostly in first person but not always. Generally that annoys me but I was so hooked it didn’t this time.