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Six Months to Kill
A terminally ill killer has nothing to lose . . . When Régis is told he has six months left to live, the news leaves him numb. A gifted astrophysicist but a loner, he is resigned to dying alone and unfulfilled. But then he receives a macabre offer from a beautiful stranger that changes everything. . . Chloé represents an underground organisation that tracks down murderers who have escaped justice―and then kills them. And she wants Régis to do their dirty work. With nothing to lose, Régis soon discovers that he has a talent for killing. He devotes his remaining time to ridding Paris of the unrepentant guilty, taking more pleasure from ending lives than he ever did from living his. Although the clock is ticking, Régis has never felt so alive and in control. But what if he’s not as in control as he thinks? Who is really behind the mysterious organisation Chloé works for―and why have they chosen him?
207 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2017
138 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 31, 2020
I loved the premise of this book. You have been told you only have 6 months to live and someone proposes that you work for a secret organization that kill people who have escaped justice. If you get caught, it is unlikely you will go to prison as you will die before you go to court. You get to right the wrongs of the justice system in your last few weeks.
The “condemned” man is Regis a genius, he specialises in astrophysics. I was hooked from the start. It is well written, and translated. With plenty of twists and a great ending.
This was a short easy read, that was entertaining and original.
The “condemned” man is Regis a genius, he specialises in astrophysics. I was hooked from the start. It is well written, and translated. With plenty of twists and a great ending.
This was a short easy read, that was entertaining and original.
June 30, 2019
Regis is a 40-something man who has just been given a death sentence. He has terminal cancer and can not hope for more than a mere six months to live.
He is approached by a young woman who claims to know him ... know about his cancer. She has a request to make of him. Chloe works for an underground organization that tracks down 'bad' people who escape justice. She wants Regis to kill the people they find.
Makes sense .. if he's caught killing someone, he'll most likely die before ever seeing the inside of a court room. Or he may be shot by an armed witness or the police. He's going to die anyway.
Accepting her proposal, he finds that killing people is quite pleasurable. He likes the thrill of the hunt and his high IQ brain loves the scheming and planning beforehand.
The story takes the reader on each and every kill he makes. Is Chloe who she says she is? And Regis has some big surprises that he never saw coming. Twists and turns lead to an outstanding ending. This is well written, with kudos to the translator, who did an excellent job.
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 6, 2019
Regis is in his forties and has just been given the news that he has terminal cancer and he has only six months to live. He goes for a walk to clear his mind and meets a woman called Chloe who waves at him as they pass by. Later that night she turns up,at his home with a proposition for him. She wants him to kill people.
I really like this book. Regis is a genius, he specialises in astrophysics. The story had me hooked from the beginning. It's so well written. There is plenty of twists and I loved how the story ends. There are so many ways this story could have played out but I think the author has chosen the best one. I simply devoured this book. I couldn't and didn't want to put it down. A super read that I recommend.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Enzo Bartoli for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really like this book. Regis is a genius, he specialises in astrophysics. The story had me hooked from the beginning. It's so well written. There is plenty of twists and I loved how the story ends. There are so many ways this story could have played out but I think the author has chosen the best one. I simply devoured this book. I couldn't and didn't want to put it down. A super read that I recommend.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Enzo Bartoli for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2019
Regis has just been told he has six months to live when he is approached by a young woman who wants him to kill someone who is ‘bad’. Regis gets sucked in by the woman’s charisma. In addition, he is lonely and facing a boring, painful end to his life. He agrees to help her, and so begins a trail of murder where Regis ends the lives of several people who he is told are the vermin of society.
Of course, all is not as it seems. When the police become involved, Regis finds himself getting in deeper. Alongside this, there is the miracle cure for his cancer, which his own doctor offers him ‘off the record.’ Might he be cured?
The best thing about the story was the set-up. What would we do if we knew we would die in six months? It makes it intriguing to follow Regis. More character development would have made the story more believable for me. Regis was a bit took quick and easy in his decisions. The other two main characters, the doctor and Regis’ handler, are also a tad shallow.
This was an easy read, entertaining and original.
My thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Of course, all is not as it seems. When the police become involved, Regis finds himself getting in deeper. Alongside this, there is the miracle cure for his cancer, which his own doctor offers him ‘off the record.’ Might he be cured?
The best thing about the story was the set-up. What would we do if we knew we would die in six months? It makes it intriguing to follow Regis. More character development would have made the story more believable for me. Regis was a bit took quick and easy in his decisions. The other two main characters, the doctor and Regis’ handler, are also a tad shallow.
This was an easy read, entertaining and original.
My thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. This is my honest review.
August 31, 2019
The premise is awesome. The genius astrophysicist Regis is told that his cancer is going to kill him in 6 months time. He spends most of his time in front of the TV watching stupid shows and eating junk food. So when a mysterious woman named Chloe approaches him with an unusual proposition it doesn't take long for Regis to agree. The deal is this: work for a secret organization and kill people that nobody is going to miss. And suddenly, Regis turns out to be exceptionally good at it. But who is Chloe really? And is everything really how it seems?
I think the first half of the book was really good. It captured my interest straight away. What made the story so interesting was the main character. Regis is very similar to Sheldon from big bang theory, only he kills people. A genius in some aspects, he is quite a naive person in other aspects. I found it so strange how he simply goes along with this suspicious proposal when I would have asked way more questions, but I think that was part of his personality.
But from about 60% the book starts to drag. There was a bit of formula: Regis kills one person,moves on to another, and then another. And suddenly I was at 90% and there were still no answers. So when the ending and the plot twists were revealed I thought they were anticlimactic and too rushed. Also,there were a couple moments of fat phobia that left a bad taste in my mouth.
A good premise,I just think it could have been executed better.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think the first half of the book was really good. It captured my interest straight away. What made the story so interesting was the main character. Regis is very similar to Sheldon from big bang theory, only he kills people. A genius in some aspects, he is quite a naive person in other aspects. I found it so strange how he simply goes along with this suspicious proposal when I would have asked way more questions, but I think that was part of his personality.
But from about 60% the book starts to drag. There was a bit of formula: Regis kills one person,moves on to another, and then another. And suddenly I was at 90% and there were still no answers. So when the ending and the plot twists were revealed I thought they were anticlimactic and too rushed. Also,there were a couple moments of fat phobia that left a bad taste in my mouth.
A good premise,I just think it could have been executed better.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up -- A terminally ill and socially awkward genius has the "adventure of a lifetime" when he embarks on a new career as an assassin and finds that he has an aptitude for the job.
Régis Gaudin is 44 years old, divorced, and lives a reclusive life with his television game shows, crisps and beer. With an incredibly high IQ and teaching at the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris, he's got money and a very comfortable, but solitary, existence. Unfortunately his cancer diagnosis means he has an expiration date of six months. He pragmatically buys a cremation plan and decides to spend his remaining days doing basically exactly the same as always. Then, he meets a woman, Chloe Schneider, and is presented with an interesting proposition. Is this an opportunity for him to do something good before he passes on? Deciding that he has absolutely nothing to lose, he takes her up on what he determines is a noble and moral crusade -- to rid society of some of the selected targets. Soon he finds that he's actually enjoying himself. NO SPOILERS.
This was a fun, fast read with an engaging archetypal anti-hero in Régis Gaudin. Were some of the situations and action a bit improbable? Yes, but it was easy to go with it anyway. I liked the writing style and the surprises kept me fully engaged. The descriptions of Paris made the setting another aspect of the narrative to enjoy. I particularly enjoyed the transformation of Régis as he tries to work his way out of his stolid, anti-social personality and his attempts to justify his actions in all the ways in which most of us try to make ourselves believe that change is possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read and review.
Régis Gaudin is 44 years old, divorced, and lives a reclusive life with his television game shows, crisps and beer. With an incredibly high IQ and teaching at the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris, he's got money and a very comfortable, but solitary, existence. Unfortunately his cancer diagnosis means he has an expiration date of six months. He pragmatically buys a cremation plan and decides to spend his remaining days doing basically exactly the same as always. Then, he meets a woman, Chloe Schneider, and is presented with an interesting proposition. Is this an opportunity for him to do something good before he passes on? Deciding that he has absolutely nothing to lose, he takes her up on what he determines is a noble and moral crusade -- to rid society of some of the selected targets. Soon he finds that he's actually enjoying himself. NO SPOILERS.
This was a fun, fast read with an engaging archetypal anti-hero in Régis Gaudin. Were some of the situations and action a bit improbable? Yes, but it was easy to go with it anyway. I liked the writing style and the surprises kept me fully engaged. The descriptions of Paris made the setting another aspect of the narrative to enjoy. I particularly enjoyed the transformation of Régis as he tries to work his way out of his stolid, anti-social personality and his attempts to justify his actions in all the ways in which most of us try to make ourselves believe that change is possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read and review.
July 12, 2019
Enzo Bartoli must have lots of imagination and a good sense of humor. The title of the book is such that the story can go two ways: either the main character, Régis, dies after six months or he doesn't. I liked the humor in the book and I also liked the ending.
The characters were nicely rounded for this story and the pace was quite good. All in all I hope to read more of this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon for this digital review copy.
The characters were nicely rounded for this story and the pace was quite good. All in all I hope to read more of this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon for this digital review copy.
June 26, 2019
Enzo Bartoli thought outside the box with this uniquely riveting novel.
Regis Gaudin is a recluse, divorced astrophysicist. Other than science Regis has no hobbies and no real true friendships it seems.
Regis has not been in the best of health lately. He is diagnosed with cancer; and told he only has 6 months left to live. With this news heavy on his mind he goes on a walk, during which a beautiful woman, Chloe, smiles and waves at him as she runs by. Surely this is a mistake he thinks;' until later that night she shows up on his door step with a proposition for ' the adventure of a lifetime'.
This adventure is killing people. When you have 6 months left to live why not help humanity out and get rid of some of the lowest, indecent humans possible.
As expect, not all is as it seems when it comes to Chloe and those she presents to Regis for killing. But he has found that this experience is indeed life changing for him.
Regis Gaudin is a recluse, divorced astrophysicist. Other than science Regis has no hobbies and no real true friendships it seems.
Regis has not been in the best of health lately. He is diagnosed with cancer; and told he only has 6 months left to live. With this news heavy on his mind he goes on a walk, during which a beautiful woman, Chloe, smiles and waves at him as she runs by. Surely this is a mistake he thinks;' until later that night she shows up on his door step with a proposition for ' the adventure of a lifetime'.
This adventure is killing people. When you have 6 months left to live why not help humanity out and get rid of some of the lowest, indecent humans possible.
As expect, not all is as it seems when it comes to Chloe and those she presents to Regis for killing. But he has found that this experience is indeed life changing for him.
November 3, 2019
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
A killer with nothing to lose, cause even if he’s caught he’s only got six months left to live. What could go wrong?
Is a fast and action filled read. Some of the situations were a bit improbable but they made it work. A few turns.
A killer with nothing to lose, cause even if he’s caught he’s only got six months left to live. What could go wrong?
Is a fast and action filled read. Some of the situations were a bit improbable but they made it work. A few turns.
August 14, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked the idea behind this book; A man gets news that he has 6 months to live and with no family to consider, he is approached to become a vigilante assassin and he accepts. It got me to thinking what I would do if I were given 6 months to live, so on that point, I found it thought provoking.
The beginning and end moved quickly for me which I enjoyed, but the middle seemed to drag along forever. In the end, I don't feel like I ever got a good understanding of the main character, Regis. I think a little more character development may have made it feel less choppy. I guessed the twist and wasn't surprised by the ending at all. This book definitely had its moments, but overall it left me feeling underwhelmed.
Overall, I'd say it was just okay.
I really liked the idea behind this book; A man gets news that he has 6 months to live and with no family to consider, he is approached to become a vigilante assassin and he accepts. It got me to thinking what I would do if I were given 6 months to live, so on that point, I found it thought provoking.
The beginning and end moved quickly for me which I enjoyed, but the middle seemed to drag along forever. In the end, I don't feel like I ever got a good understanding of the main character, Regis. I think a little more character development may have made it feel less choppy. I guessed the twist and wasn't surprised by the ending at all. This book definitely had its moments, but overall it left me feeling underwhelmed.
Overall, I'd say it was just okay.
May 18, 2018
Ce qu'il y a de bien avec les congés, c'est que je peux lire tranquillement. Et c'est ce que j'ai fait ! Attaqué la veille au soir, terminé en milieu d'après midi le jour suivant, j'ai dégusté "6 mois à tuer" quasiment d'une traite.
J'ai découvert cet auteur il y a peu avec "Curriculum Mortem", que j'avais beaucoup apprécié. Me voilà donc partie pour une nouvelle aventure. Et quelle aventure !!
Cela commence très fort. Notre personnage principal, Régis, c'est quelqu'un ! Asocial, aucune famille, aucun ami, plein aux as, un QI de 300 (au moins...), et des répliques a rendre le sourire à n'importe quel dépressif ! Ajoutez lui Chloé, ravissante jeune femme qui n'a pas froid aux yeux avec sa proposition loufoque (je n'en dirais pas plus pour ne pas gâcher votre plaisir), et vous partez pour un voyage des plus surprenant.
C'est noir (un peu), c'est drôle (beaucoup), c'est un régal (à la folie), c'est un super moment (passionnément), avec un final auquel on ne s'attend pas.
Un livre qui sort des sentiers battus, à l'écriture agréable, bourré d'humour caustique, c'est irrésistible ! Je ne peux que vous le conseiller.
Écriture au top, histoire sans temps mort, qui tient la route, réaliste, personnages attachants que j'ai beaucoup apprécié, final dont je ne m'y attendais pas, de l'humour qui m'a donné la banane, ça sent le coup de cœur, non ?
Oh et une dernière chose : que feriez vous s'il ne vous restait que 6 mois à vivre ?
J'ai découvert cet auteur il y a peu avec "Curriculum Mortem", que j'avais beaucoup apprécié. Me voilà donc partie pour une nouvelle aventure. Et quelle aventure !!
Cela commence très fort. Notre personnage principal, Régis, c'est quelqu'un ! Asocial, aucune famille, aucun ami, plein aux as, un QI de 300 (au moins...), et des répliques a rendre le sourire à n'importe quel dépressif ! Ajoutez lui Chloé, ravissante jeune femme qui n'a pas froid aux yeux avec sa proposition loufoque (je n'en dirais pas plus pour ne pas gâcher votre plaisir), et vous partez pour un voyage des plus surprenant.
C'est noir (un peu), c'est drôle (beaucoup), c'est un régal (à la folie), c'est un super moment (passionnément), avec un final auquel on ne s'attend pas.
Un livre qui sort des sentiers battus, à l'écriture agréable, bourré d'humour caustique, c'est irrésistible ! Je ne peux que vous le conseiller.
Écriture au top, histoire sans temps mort, qui tient la route, réaliste, personnages attachants que j'ai beaucoup apprécié, final dont je ne m'y attendais pas, de l'humour qui m'a donné la banane, ça sent le coup de cœur, non ?
Oh et une dernière chose : que feriez vous s'il ne vous restait que 6 mois à vivre ?
September 22, 2019
Have you ever thought about what you would do if you only had six months to live? This story explores what the main character, Regis, decides to do with his six months that he has left to live. The story starts out a bit slow but starts to pickup pace about halfway through. There are some suspenseful moments and a twist near the end that I thought was somewhat easy to figure out.
September 12, 2019
This book was amazing. I got exactly what I want from it. Yes, some things could have been improved, but it was so close to perfection. There was one point in the book when I felt like the book was going to get a four star rating for the very predictable reveal, but THERE WAS A TWIST!!! And it was amazing. And it made me happy. And wow!!! Goodreads only labels this as fiction, but I would also say it has some light thriller vibes. I picked this up randomly and was so happy that I did
August 15, 2019
An intriguing story about a truth that shall be uncovered
July 2019
SIX MONTHS TO KILL
by Enzo Bartoli (Translated by Alexandra Maldwyn-Davies)
Coming August 2019
The action of the story takes place in Paris, France, the present day.
The main character (Regis Gaudin, 44) finds out that he has only 6 months to live. He is approached by a woman (Chloe) who represents an unknown organization that kills bad people. Chloe proposed to Regis to become a mercenary.
The book is written in the first person, present time. The writer succeeds to describe what the main character is thinking and feeling, and the reader gets to see it from the first row.
The pace is appropriate, not rushing nor dragging.
It is interesting to see how the main character is dealing with his feelings regarding the crimes he commits. He is not thinking too much about the ethics of the killings. Also, it is interesting to see how he is preparing for his imminent death.
While reading, I didn't understand why the writer didn't develop more the ethical issues the main character is going through regarding his killings. You have to read the book to understand that the writer did a perfect job.
As times go by, and the main character becomes habitual with his killings, he realizes that things are not as they were initially described by Chloe.
It is hard to write a novel consisting of about 200 pages about only one main character, surrounded by a few secondary characters. The writer did a very good job.
I liked the story because it kept me up reading the final chapters into the night. The finale was a good one, not as one I was expecting. It was both original, and plausible. The story is revolving around the main character and the secondary character, occasionally entering into the scene, for brief moments, the main character's victims and doctor.
I didn't like the story because, up to a point, it was predictable.
I recommend the book because it was, from a point on, very captivating, with an unexpecting finale. The characters are well described.
SIX MONTHS TO KILL
by Enzo Bartoli (Translated by Alexandra Maldwyn-Davies)
207 pages, Amazon Publishing UK. $15.95 (USD)
This review can be found at NetGalley.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2019
SIX MONTHS TO KILL
by Enzo Bartoli (Translated by Alexandra Maldwyn-Davies)
Coming August 2019
The action of the story takes place in Paris, France, the present day.
The main character (Regis Gaudin, 44) finds out that he has only 6 months to live. He is approached by a woman (Chloe) who represents an unknown organization that kills bad people. Chloe proposed to Regis to become a mercenary.
The book is written in the first person, present time. The writer succeeds to describe what the main character is thinking and feeling, and the reader gets to see it from the first row.
The pace is appropriate, not rushing nor dragging.
It is interesting to see how the main character is dealing with his feelings regarding the crimes he commits. He is not thinking too much about the ethics of the killings. Also, it is interesting to see how he is preparing for his imminent death.
While reading, I didn't understand why the writer didn't develop more the ethical issues the main character is going through regarding his killings. You have to read the book to understand that the writer did a perfect job.
As times go by, and the main character becomes habitual with his killings, he realizes that things are not as they were initially described by Chloe.
It is hard to write a novel consisting of about 200 pages about only one main character, surrounded by a few secondary characters. The writer did a very good job.
I liked the story because it kept me up reading the final chapters into the night. The finale was a good one, not as one I was expecting. It was both original, and plausible. The story is revolving around the main character and the secondary character, occasionally entering into the scene, for brief moments, the main character's victims and doctor.
I didn't like the story because, up to a point, it was predictable.
I recommend the book because it was, from a point on, very captivating, with an unexpecting finale. The characters are well described.
SIX MONTHS TO KILL
by Enzo Bartoli (Translated by Alexandra Maldwyn-Davies)
207 pages, Amazon Publishing UK. $15.95 (USD)
This review can be found at NetGalley.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2019
Regis finds out from his doctor that he has about six months to live. However, to perhaps hold back the spread of the cancer, an experimental drug is injected to Regis on a weekly basis at his home. A genius, Regis enjoys watching quiz shows that have difficult questions and answers.
One day, though, Regis decides to go out to plan his funeral. As he is arriving home, through the park, he is met by Chloe who seems to know something about him. He asks if she was a student of his. No, he is 44 and she is 30ish. Later that evening, Chloe appears at Regis' door. He invites her in and she tells him that her organization is of the mind that certain people need to be killed for the good of mankind. She brings out a folder and Regis recognizes the name . A truly hated individual with political views seen as a threat to society. Regis hates the guy, anyway. Even if caught and detained, Regis decides that he probably would not live long enough to "see a courtroom".
The entire spree of more killings by Regis continues. This, probably due to Regis falling in love with Chloe. However, the love is not reciprocated. Yet, Chloe is able to get Regis to do her organization's bidding.
When will this end? Will the police find out that Regis is behind multiple killings (of course of "bad" people)? Is Chloe on the up and up? Will Regis die before any of the crimes are discovered to have been committed by him?
An interesting story with a twist. We see a man who is expected to die in 6 months bewitched by a beautiful face become a killer. A great read that is sure to be enjoyable by mystery/suspense/thriller readers!
Many Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a thought-provoking read.
One day, though, Regis decides to go out to plan his funeral. As he is arriving home, through the park, he is met by Chloe who seems to know something about him. He asks if she was a student of his. No, he is 44 and she is 30ish. Later that evening, Chloe appears at Regis' door. He invites her in and she tells him that her organization is of the mind that certain people need to be killed for the good of mankind. She brings out a folder and Regis recognizes the name . A truly hated individual with political views seen as a threat to society. Regis hates the guy, anyway. Even if caught and detained, Regis decides that he probably would not live long enough to "see a courtroom".
The entire spree of more killings by Regis continues. This, probably due to Regis falling in love with Chloe. However, the love is not reciprocated. Yet, Chloe is able to get Regis to do her organization's bidding.
When will this end? Will the police find out that Regis is behind multiple killings (of course of "bad" people)? Is Chloe on the up and up? Will Regis die before any of the crimes are discovered to have been committed by him?
An interesting story with a twist. We see a man who is expected to die in 6 months bewitched by a beautiful face become a killer. A great read that is sure to be enjoyable by mystery/suspense/thriller readers!
Many Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a thought-provoking read.
June 24, 2019
Régis is a genius. His IQ is so high that he can figure out almost anything but social interactions. He is told that he only has six months to live and shortly thereafter meets a woman who offers him a deal: become a hitman. He has nothing to lose and the people who need killing are the kind that nobody will miss. Régis approaches the challenge as he would a mathematical problem and, being a genius, it's pretty easy to figure out how to get away with murder. At least at first. But there are factors that he can't control, and those may be his downfall. Bartoli does a great job of making you care about Régis. He is not likable - he hates everything and anything. He is also not very relatable - not to normal people who didn't learn all prime numbers by the time they were four. And yet, I really, really wanted him to get away with it. I cringed when he was close to disaster and cheered when he was doing well. The rhythm is so fast that it was hard to put it down, making it a fast read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amazon Publishing UK!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amazon Publishing UK!
August 12, 2019
Six Months to Kill Enzo Bartoli
Regis, a genius astrophysicist, is given only 6 more months to live by his oncologist.
He is approached by Chloe, a young woman who supposedly works for an underground organization that tracks down people who escape justice. She wants Regis to play the role of vigilante and mete out justice to them.
Regis takes up the role albeit reluctantly as he realizes that he has nothing to lose and after all he is doing good to society. He starts enjoying the scheming and plotting before each kill as it requires meticulous planning and research.
It is as if Regis starts seeking redemption in his newly donned avatar.
But is Chloe who she says she is? Does Regis’s killing spiral off control?
The story is riveting, the plot is compelling and the characters are captivating. This racy thriller is brilliantly thought out, different from the run of the mill suspense. Despite being a translation, the story does not lose its pace and keeps the reader hooked till the end.
My rating 4* / 5
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Regis, a genius astrophysicist, is given only 6 more months to live by his oncologist.
He is approached by Chloe, a young woman who supposedly works for an underground organization that tracks down people who escape justice. She wants Regis to play the role of vigilante and mete out justice to them.
Regis takes up the role albeit reluctantly as he realizes that he has nothing to lose and after all he is doing good to society. He starts enjoying the scheming and plotting before each kill as it requires meticulous planning and research.
It is as if Regis starts seeking redemption in his newly donned avatar.
But is Chloe who she says she is? Does Regis’s killing spiral off control?
The story is riveting, the plot is compelling and the characters are captivating. This racy thriller is brilliantly thought out, different from the run of the mill suspense. Despite being a translation, the story does not lose its pace and keeps the reader hooked till the end.
My rating 4* / 5
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
May 23, 2025
At first, I couldn’t get into this one. The prologue felt sluggish, and by the time I started the first chapter, I was already losing interest. I even debated not finishing it at all. But I gave it another shot, and by the end of chapter two, Enzo had me blindfolded by anticipation.
The suspense builds in a way that sneaks up on you. There's a certain tension that creeps into the story and makes you start second-guessing what’s coming, who’s safe, and how deep this rabbit hole really goes. For a while, I was hooked. But after the first off-cuff victim, the pacing started to drag. It felt like the story lost some of the sharp edge it started with, and I found myself waiting for momentum that never fully returned. I still appreciate the writing and the original concept, but this one didn’t hit as hard as I hoped. It's a solid read with a strong setup, but the middle loses its footing, and that’s what earns it three stars from me. It takes some patience, but the story is still worth sticking with. The ending surprised me completely, and I was just as confused and fooled as Régis.
The suspense builds in a way that sneaks up on you. There's a certain tension that creeps into the story and makes you start second-guessing what’s coming, who’s safe, and how deep this rabbit hole really goes. For a while, I was hooked. But after the first off-cuff victim, the pacing started to drag. It felt like the story lost some of the sharp edge it started with, and I found myself waiting for momentum that never fully returned. I still appreciate the writing and the original concept, but this one didn’t hit as hard as I hoped. It's a solid read with a strong setup, but the middle loses its footing, and that’s what earns it three stars from me. It takes some patience, but the story is still worth sticking with. The ending surprised me completely, and I was just as confused and fooled as Régis.
December 3, 2019
What a letdown of a book. So many rave reviews on Goodreads and a solid premise, but such a lackluster execution (yes, pun intended) and predictable plot.
Règis Gaudin’s doctor tells him he has a terminal illness with 6 months to live. A relative hermit, Règis has many of his affairs already in order. One day, a mysterious woman visits, enticing him to become a hired killer for people she deems unworthy. Because Règis has so short a time to live, he will make the perfect assassin, because he will either die before their agreement is complete, or no jail in France will convict a dying man.
Règis acts as a hired assassin, and there is a twist at the end, but it is fairly evident as the story goes on. The plot consists of him killing unquestioningly, so the drama factor is low. Additionally, I took an issue with the audio version being set in France with VERY French characters (the book is a translation for Heaven’s sake), but a completely American narrator pronouncing a few words with a French accent. Ugh.
Find a better thriller elsewhere and save your time on this one.
Règis Gaudin’s doctor tells him he has a terminal illness with 6 months to live. A relative hermit, Règis has many of his affairs already in order. One day, a mysterious woman visits, enticing him to become a hired killer for people she deems unworthy. Because Règis has so short a time to live, he will make the perfect assassin, because he will either die before their agreement is complete, or no jail in France will convict a dying man.
Règis acts as a hired assassin, and there is a twist at the end, but it is fairly evident as the story goes on. The plot consists of him killing unquestioningly, so the drama factor is low. Additionally, I took an issue with the audio version being set in France with VERY French characters (the book is a translation for Heaven’s sake), but a completely American narrator pronouncing a few words with a French accent. Ugh.
Find a better thriller elsewhere and save your time on this one.
July 10, 2019
Gosh, but, this is such a fabulous read! I had experienced some really poor books recently and so, was particularly excited when this one arrived in my Kindle as it's such an interesting premise and the translation is excellent. I wouldn't have guessed that it hadn't been written in English.
Regis is a genius, a specialist in astrophysics and a professor who is terminally ill and approached by a woman who has an interesting, adventurous proposition for him. And, let's face it, what has he got to lose?
I found the story riveting, the writing excellent and the narrative had me hooked until the end - which is a fabulous conclusion.
A really, really good read.
Highly recommend and thanks so much to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview. As well as Enzo Bartoli and the fabulous translator, Alexandra Maldwyn-Davies.
Regis is a genius, a specialist in astrophysics and a professor who is terminally ill and approached by a woman who has an interesting, adventurous proposition for him. And, let's face it, what has he got to lose?
I found the story riveting, the writing excellent and the narrative had me hooked until the end - which is a fabulous conclusion.
A really, really good read.
Highly recommend and thanks so much to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview. As well as Enzo Bartoli and the fabulous translator, Alexandra Maldwyn-Davies.
June 29, 2023
I quite enjoyed reading "Six Months To Kill."
in this story:
Régis is told he has six months left to live. A gifted astrophysicist but a loner, he is resigned to dying alone and unfulfilled. But then he receives a macabre offer from a beautiful stranger that changes everything.
Chloé represents an underground organisation that tracks down murderers who have escaped justice—and then kills them. And she wants Régis to do their dirty work. With nothing to lose, Régis soon discovers that he has a talent for killing. He devotes his remaining time to ridding Paris of the unrepentant guilty, taking more pleasure from ending lives than he ever did from living his.
A very interesting storyline.
in this story:
Régis is told he has six months left to live. A gifted astrophysicist but a loner, he is resigned to dying alone and unfulfilled. But then he receives a macabre offer from a beautiful stranger that changes everything.
Chloé represents an underground organisation that tracks down murderers who have escaped justice—and then kills them. And she wants Régis to do their dirty work. With nothing to lose, Régis soon discovers that he has a talent for killing. He devotes his remaining time to ridding Paris of the unrepentant guilty, taking more pleasure from ending lives than he ever did from living his.
A very interesting storyline.
November 14, 2020
"I've become a natural. All that's left for me to do is to drag the bodies far enough out to sea and to attach the heavy parasol stand that was also part of this morning's shopping list to the chains around their feet."
The premise to this one was so good. A man is given six months to live and offered a chance to do some good before he dies.
Unfortunately, for me, the story fell flat. It took me so long to get into the book and I really struggled to finish it. Honestly, I was pretty bored throughout. Very disappointed.
The premise to this one was so good. A man is given six months to live and offered a chance to do some good before he dies.
Unfortunately, for me, the story fell flat. It took me so long to get into the book and I really struggled to finish it. Honestly, I was pretty bored throughout. Very disappointed.
August 9, 2019
This book was brilliant. I read it in one day. The writing was easy to get into, the chapters were short and the characters were well written. The story of having six months to live, does that mean murder can be committed and get away with it? It definitely had twists and turns and the ending I couldn't guess but as I got closer I wanted it to end a certain way and it did which I'm happy about. You need to read this
August 10, 2019
Chloe enlisted Regis to kill bad people because he only has 6 months to live. Yep. Regis, however, is a brilliant man- an astrophysicist- so this becomes a more elaborate situation than it might have otherwise been. Chloe might not be who she claims to be. Regis certainly becomes someone different than he was. Set in Paris (and translated from French), it's a grotesque and perversely entertaining read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
August 10, 2019
A thriller story line to make you think. What WOULD you do with only six months to live? Right some of society's more spectacular wrongs? I think I'd agree to that proposition too.
The story is a translation from French so does not flow like a book in it's original language. But, stick with it, the story picks up speed and the action is pretty tricky. Our hero asks a few questions too many along the way and could find himself with considerable less than six months left.
The story is a translation from French so does not flow like a book in it's original language. But, stick with it, the story picks up speed and the action is pretty tricky. Our hero asks a few questions too many along the way and could find himself with considerable less than six months left.
August 5, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this ARC.
I have never read anything by this author before and found the book difficult to get into but maybe that is because it has been translated. However, it was worth persevering with and I thought I had worked it out and was surprised when I realised I hadn't.
I would recommend and definitely don't give up.
I have never read anything by this author before and found the book difficult to get into but maybe that is because it has been translated. However, it was worth persevering with and I thought I had worked it out and was surprised when I realised I hadn't.
I would recommend and definitely don't give up.
January 26, 2020
J'ai ce livre depuis le salon du livre 2018 à Paris. Amazon Publishing offraient des copies du livre et l'auteur me l'a dédicacé. Après presque deux ans je me suis finalement décidée à le lire.
Le début m'a un peu ennuyé mais la fin est pleine de rebondissements. Je n'aime pas du tout le personnage de Chloé et après les révélations finales... encore moins. Dans l'ensemble le livre m'a plu :)
Le début m'a un peu ennuyé mais la fin est pleine de rebondissements. Je n'aime pas du tout le personnage de Chloé et après les révélations finales... encore moins. Dans l'ensemble le livre m'a plu :)
July 21, 2020
I LOVED the idea behind the book and the point of view it’s written from. I was intrigued from the beginning and was interested to see where it would go.
I must admit it became slightly predictable and although a big twist towards the end, wasn’t entirely surprised.
It was however and enjoyable and easy read.
I must admit it became slightly predictable and although a big twist towards the end, wasn’t entirely surprised.
It was however and enjoyable and easy read.
January 15, 2022
If a book about murder can be said to be delightful, then that is what thus book is - delightful. There's a touch of Patricia Highsmith in the amorality of it all with a generous soupcon of French dark humour. It's length is just right too for an engrossing day's read and the narrative never drags. Kudos to the translator too.
June 22, 2019
An extremely difficult story to get into, but well worth the perseverance. I thought I knew the outcome early on, but was extremely surprised by the end. A most extraordinary serial killer with an unexpected modus operandi, a story with a sting in the tail.
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