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Endings #1
Endings
How far can a profound personal loss drive someone toward darkness?
What would it take for you to kill someone for money? And if you did, who—or what—would you have become? These are the question one woman faces when she loses everyone she loves and everything she has. When the opportunity arrives to reinvent herself as a killer for hire, she takes it. She’s good at it—and if she doesn’t do it, someone else will.
Then everything changes when she learns about a serial killer so horrible she vows to find him and kill him until—overcome by self-doubt—she seeks redemption rather than vengeance.
Fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Dexter will love Endings
What would it take for you to kill someone for money? And if you did, who—or what—would you have become? These are the question one woman faces when she loses everyone she loves and everything she has. When the opportunity arrives to reinvent herself as a killer for hire, she takes it. She’s good at it—and if she doesn’t do it, someone else will.
Then everything changes when she learns about a serial killer so horrible she vows to find him and kill him until—overcome by self-doubt—she seeks redemption rather than vengeance.
Fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Dexter will love Endings
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2021
66 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Linda L. Richards
18 books168 followersLinda L. Richards is the award-winning author of fifteen books. The founder and publisher of January Magazine and a contributing editor to the crime fiction blog The Rap Sheet, she is best known for her strong female protagonists in the thriller genre. Richards is from Vancouver, Canada and currently makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona. Her latest book, ENDINGS, was published by Oceanview Publishing in 2021. A PW starred review said that this “harrowing tale of love, loss, and the value of life is not to be missed.” A sequel, EXIT STRATEGY, was published May 2022 and DEAD WEST, the third novel in the series, will be published September 2023. Linda’s 2021 novel, ENDINGS, was recently optioned by a major studio for series production.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 17, 2021
Endings - Linda L. Richards
After her son dies in a house fire and her husband also dies from his injuries after being in a coma for ages - our protagonist, who is never named, is at a big fat loose end. While sitting by her husband’s bedside she can’t help overhearing the man in the next bed and his wife desperately talking, trying to find some extra money to pay for the husband’s treatment which their health insurer has knocked back. She hears them saying “if only we could find someone to kill him for $10,000 we could get the insurance money”. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Yep, she does. She says “I’ll do it”. And so begins her second career as a hit woman.
After a less than auspicious start she gets really good at killing people for money. But she doesn’t seem real happy. There is one really poignant moment in the story which I can’t tell you about because it is pivotal to the plot and seems to shift her thinking somewhat. She no longer seems happy just killing people! Then she hears a story about a man, William Atwater, who is thought to have killed at least 16 young children and the police are nowhere near catching him. Our protagonist thinks she will be the one to find him and kill him. But things don’t quite work out that simply.
There really not that much more to this story. Oh it was about love and loss and redemption and what makes us human but I thought it was all a bit... thin. This book evoked no feelings from me. It was all kind of flat and undramatic. I can’t actually recommend this one. I am aware that other reviewers rated it more highly so I urge you to make up your own mind. Thanks to Netgalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
After her son dies in a house fire and her husband also dies from his injuries after being in a coma for ages - our protagonist, who is never named, is at a big fat loose end. While sitting by her husband’s bedside she can’t help overhearing the man in the next bed and his wife desperately talking, trying to find some extra money to pay for the husband’s treatment which their health insurer has knocked back. She hears them saying “if only we could find someone to kill him for $10,000 we could get the insurance money”. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Yep, she does. She says “I’ll do it”. And so begins her second career as a hit woman.
After a less than auspicious start she gets really good at killing people for money. But she doesn’t seem real happy. There is one really poignant moment in the story which I can’t tell you about because it is pivotal to the plot and seems to shift her thinking somewhat. She no longer seems happy just killing people! Then she hears a story about a man, William Atwater, who is thought to have killed at least 16 young children and the police are nowhere near catching him. Our protagonist thinks she will be the one to find him and kill him. But things don’t quite work out that simply.
There really not that much more to this story. Oh it was about love and loss and redemption and what makes us human but I thought it was all a bit... thin. This book evoked no feelings from me. It was all kind of flat and undramatic. I can’t actually recommend this one. I am aware that other reviewers rated it more highly so I urge you to make up your own mind. Thanks to Netgalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
June 15, 2021
This book never caught my attention until I received a widget for it. The cover wasn’t flasy enough. But after I read the synopsis, I thought I’d give it a try. The writing is much different than anything I’ve read lately, so I had my doubts when I started the book, but it didn’t take long for me to get pulled into this bizarre tale of an unnamed main character who becomes a hitwoman after her life is destroyed by a series of tragic events. Richards is also a new author for me, and one which I’ll look out for in the future.
How does someone end up in this profession? It’s not a job of her choosing, but rather a job that chooses her in an interesting way. The MC settles into her new (and empty) life until she focuses her attention on a serial child killer—Atwater. Soon she finds herself deep in the investigation of Atwater, who keeps eluding the police.
Warning: child and animal abuse. Atwater is a child killer, so the book describes some of his captures. Although the events aren’t described too vividly, the author does go into more detail than I cared for. The animal abuse is the same...minor, but still there.
Thank you to Linda L Richards, Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss for this free digital ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4⭐️’s
Published: April 6th 2021 by Oceanview Publishing Paperbacks
Pages: 336
Recommend: Yes
@lindalrichards @oceanviewpub @edelweiss_squad #Edelweiss #Endings #NoRulesJustThrills #Thriller #InExchangeForReview #JustFinished #BookReview #ChildKiller
How does someone end up in this profession? It’s not a job of her choosing, but rather a job that chooses her in an interesting way. The MC settles into her new (and empty) life until she focuses her attention on a serial child killer—Atwater. Soon she finds herself deep in the investigation of Atwater, who keeps eluding the police.
”I keep thinking about a world without justice. A world where angels die but monsters remain free, the threat of the possibility they represent an ever-present blight on the horizon.”
Warning: child and animal abuse. Atwater is a child killer, so the book describes some of his captures. Although the events aren’t described too vividly, the author does go into more detail than I cared for. The animal abuse is the same...minor, but still there.
Thank you to Linda L Richards, Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss for this free digital ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4⭐️’s
Published: April 6th 2021 by Oceanview Publishing Paperbacks
Pages: 336
Recommend: Yes
@lindalrichards @oceanviewpub @edelweiss_squad #Edelweiss #Endings #NoRulesJustThrills #Thriller #InExchangeForReview #JustFinished #BookReview #ChildKiller
May 5, 2021
What does it take for a nice person to kill for money?
“Endings” by Linda L. Richards is unique because of its structure in the first person-present tense. Descriptions set the tone of the narrative and pull readers into the midst of the action. What does it take for a nice person, like the narrator, to kill a person, multiple people even? Readers soon find out. Step by step events unfold; no warning is given. “Not much, anyway. Just before I plug three silenced shots into his chest.”
She once was someone’s wife and someone’s mother, but now things are different. She is different. Now she is someone “nice” people contact when they need someone killed. As soon as she first killed for money, everything fell into place like dominoes tumbling into each other in an orderly fashion. Then things change dramatically; there is a job that is not a job. Jobs come and go; jobs are completed, over, finished. This is an obsession, and once she commits to something, she follows it through to the end.
There are no spoilers in this review, which is a difficult task. The narrative is compelling, addictive, gut wrenching and teeth grinding. Her life once was orderly, organized and focused; then suddenly it is not. I will just say that she keeps the puppy. Plan your time wisely when you start reading, because once you start you will not be able to put this book down. I received a review copy of “Endings” from Linda L. Richards, and Oceanview Publishing. I read it in one day.
“Endings” by Linda L. Richards is unique because of its structure in the first person-present tense. Descriptions set the tone of the narrative and pull readers into the midst of the action. What does it take for a nice person, like the narrator, to kill a person, multiple people even? Readers soon find out. Step by step events unfold; no warning is given. “Not much, anyway. Just before I plug three silenced shots into his chest.”
She once was someone’s wife and someone’s mother, but now things are different. She is different. Now she is someone “nice” people contact when they need someone killed. As soon as she first killed for money, everything fell into place like dominoes tumbling into each other in an orderly fashion. Then things change dramatically; there is a job that is not a job. Jobs come and go; jobs are completed, over, finished. This is an obsession, and once she commits to something, she follows it through to the end.
There are no spoilers in this review, which is a difficult task. The narrative is compelling, addictive, gut wrenching and teeth grinding. Her life once was orderly, organized and focused; then suddenly it is not. I will just say that she keeps the puppy. Plan your time wisely when you start reading, because once you start you will not be able to put this book down. I received a review copy of “Endings” from Linda L. Richards, and Oceanview Publishing. I read it in one day.
June 10, 2021
I have read "Endings" by Lisa L. Richards. Thanks to Lisa at Goodreads Netgalley Support Group for recommending it to me. I have come to read a lot of books about assassins and this is another one, but it is not like most. What will you do if your life collapses and you have no means of support? Well you could always become an assassin... I was at first sceptical about this book but I became hooked just a couple of sentences in and then it was really hard to put down. The storyline is not something I ever before came across and I would like a second book about this hitwoman. It is a strong story and it's well written, I will most certainly see what more this author has written. Highly recommended. Thanks to @this_is_edelweiss @oceanviewpub and @lindalrichards for this advance copy.
June 28, 2021
3. 4
A normal day-to-day woman suddenly becomes a hired woman killer. The description immediately got my attention. I was entertained most of the time because reading a woman in that industry is not common in stories. There was also a lot of reflection about society, For example, how media use fear, police brutality, and more. Which are all relevant subjects but you are not expecting that in a thriller. I think people that don't know that information might get into the book expecting something different. Like a story where the protagonist is truly evil which is not the case. As much as I was surprised by the society critiques in this novel., I did think it brought humanity to the protagonist.
I wouldn't personally label this book as a mystery or thriller. I think it's far more a darker adventure story since some of the clues are found by using spiritual methods. For me, the minute that supernatural elements are in a story it's not a mystery. It's the easy way out that authors usually use when they are struggling with moving the plot. In addition, there is a discovery journey so I would label this book as more adventurous than mysterious.
Overall, it's a story with an intriguing female lead, society critiques, and a story that I found more adventurous than suspenseful.
Thank you, NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing, and Linda L Richards for the arc.
A normal day-to-day woman suddenly becomes a hired woman killer. The description immediately got my attention. I was entertained most of the time because reading a woman in that industry is not common in stories. There was also a lot of reflection about society, For example, how media use fear, police brutality, and more. Which are all relevant subjects but you are not expecting that in a thriller. I think people that don't know that information might get into the book expecting something different. Like a story where the protagonist is truly evil which is not the case. As much as I was surprised by the society critiques in this novel., I did think it brought humanity to the protagonist.
I wouldn't personally label this book as a mystery or thriller. I think it's far more a darker adventure story since some of the clues are found by using spiritual methods. For me, the minute that supernatural elements are in a story it's not a mystery. It's the easy way out that authors usually use when they are struggling with moving the plot. In addition, there is a discovery journey so I would label this book as more adventurous than mysterious.
Overall, it's a story with an intriguing female lead, society critiques, and a story that I found more adventurous than suspenseful.
Thank you, NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing, and Linda L Richards for the arc.
March 19, 2021
Did you ever think you would root for a Hit Woman? I never did either, but that’s exactly what happened in this explosive, psychological thriller that I just couldn’t stop reading to the very last page.
The Narrator starts her story having everything. She has a young child, a husband, good job, nice house, a life in place that is meaningful. Then tragedy strikes with a fire that kills her son and husband. This shatters her world and everything that seemed important has lost all meaning. Her life feels completely gone, she is just a shell of a woman walking around.
Then she hears of a Serial Killer that has killed so many young children. This man is someone a trained killer might be able to track and find. Here begins the cat and mouse game that is psychological thriller at it’s best. The Narrator is skilled at killing, yes, but this stirs something she has lost, the ability to feel again. She can not just let little children die, she does know that feeling. Will she be able to find redemption and free herself again or forever be trapped in this man’s sick, tormented mind? So, the twisted tale begins.
Heart pounding, can’t put down read that keep me up late and wanting all the doors locked. Evil can not usually be seen, it creeps in and takes over. Yes, I think you will enjoy this book.
Thank You NetGalley, Linda L Richards, and Oceanview Publishing for an ARC of this book.
The Narrator starts her story having everything. She has a young child, a husband, good job, nice house, a life in place that is meaningful. Then tragedy strikes with a fire that kills her son and husband. This shatters her world and everything that seemed important has lost all meaning. Her life feels completely gone, she is just a shell of a woman walking around.
Then she hears of a Serial Killer that has killed so many young children. This man is someone a trained killer might be able to track and find. Here begins the cat and mouse game that is psychological thriller at it’s best. The Narrator is skilled at killing, yes, but this stirs something she has lost, the ability to feel again. She can not just let little children die, she does know that feeling. Will she be able to find redemption and free herself again or forever be trapped in this man’s sick, tormented mind? So, the twisted tale begins.
Heart pounding, can’t put down read that keep me up late and wanting all the doors locked. Evil can not usually be seen, it creeps in and takes over. Yes, I think you will enjoy this book.
Thank You NetGalley, Linda L Richards, and Oceanview Publishing for an ARC of this book.
June 8, 2021
Wow, talk about making a case for a theoretically unlikeable character! I shouldn't be surprised: Linda L. Richards excels at writing tough women, and this time out is no exception. "Endings" is voiced from the POV of an unnamed woman who, faced with an unspeakable amount of loss, becomes a hit woman – a killer for hire. Not only does Richards build sympathy, she had me rooting for her. Wonderful read.
March 11, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing, and Ms. Richards for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.
This was an interesting ride of a book. A relatively quick read, as well, if you're looking for something that won't make you struggle to get through.
I don't know why the concept of a hitperson (he/she/them) is fascinating to me. Not so much in the execution of the jobs (no pun intended) but in the how and why that a person would enter into such an occupation. I'm not sure how much of the description provided by the author is accurate - nor will I ever find out, I'm sure - but it certainly seemed plausible. The unnamed protagonist's account of the loss of her son was devastating. As a mother of a similarly-aged son I completely empathized with her. It is easy enough to imagine what a person might do when they feel they have literally nothing to lose.
The first portion of the book, and its accompanying ruminations over life and death and purpose, were absolutely fascinating. The second half, i.e. the unnamed protagonist's hunt for the serial killer of so many young children, was also quite good but felt like (almost) a separate book? The two narrative halves seemed a little too separate. Nonetheless I enjoyed both.
The one real quibble I had with the protagonist's character was the relative ease with which she took to her new profession: not ethically, but technically. She was able to figure out and master lots of very new and unique skills quickly and completely (not just firing a gun, but becoming a great shot/navigating the dark web/bitcoin accounts/finding mercenary companies to hire her/discovering ways to kill people without getting caught/hijacking cars/etc). Don't tell me you can just google and youtube your way into absolute proficiency. Sure: you can definitely find all these answers but that doesn't mean you'll be an expert at all this stuff. And it strikes me that if you weren't an expert you'd probably.... get caught fairly quickly?
But of course, that's the magic of good fiction stories: you get swept away in the story and don't really stop to think about the minutiae. At least not until afterwards.
I would definitely recommend this to readers who are able to handle a fairly dark suspense novel with a solid antiheroine. People triggered by relatively casual discussion of murder, especially those triggered by violent murder of children, should probably avoid it.
This was an interesting ride of a book. A relatively quick read, as well, if you're looking for something that won't make you struggle to get through.
I don't know why the concept of a hitperson (he/she/them) is fascinating to me. Not so much in the execution of the jobs (no pun intended) but in the how and why that a person would enter into such an occupation. I'm not sure how much of the description provided by the author is accurate - nor will I ever find out, I'm sure - but it certainly seemed plausible. The unnamed protagonist's account of the loss of her son was devastating. As a mother of a similarly-aged son I completely empathized with her. It is easy enough to imagine what a person might do when they feel they have literally nothing to lose.
The first portion of the book, and its accompanying ruminations over life and death and purpose, were absolutely fascinating. The second half, i.e. the unnamed protagonist's hunt for the serial killer of so many young children, was also quite good but felt like (almost) a separate book? The two narrative halves seemed a little too separate. Nonetheless I enjoyed both.
The one real quibble I had with the protagonist's character was the relative ease with which she took to her new profession: not ethically, but technically. She was able to figure out and master lots of very new and unique skills quickly and completely (not just firing a gun, but becoming a great shot/navigating the dark web/bitcoin accounts/finding mercenary companies to hire her/discovering ways to kill people without getting caught/hijacking cars/etc). Don't tell me you can just google and youtube your way into absolute proficiency. Sure: you can definitely find all these answers but that doesn't mean you'll be an expert at all this stuff. And it strikes me that if you weren't an expert you'd probably.... get caught fairly quickly?
But of course, that's the magic of good fiction stories: you get swept away in the story and don't really stop to think about the minutiae. At least not until afterwards.
I would definitely recommend this to readers who are able to handle a fairly dark suspense novel with a solid antiheroine. People triggered by relatively casual discussion of murder, especially those triggered by violent murder of children, should probably avoid it.
June 30, 2022
Rating - 5 stars
All of this becomes my life. It is neither stimulating nor satisfying or even stifling. I am living. I am alive. I don’t want for anything, except there is a sort of dull hunger in me that I seem never able to fill.'
- Endings, Linda L. Richards
The book starts with the main protagonist, who has not been named, on one of her assignments, from there it proceeds to the past, the story of what mader her a hitwoman. How losing everything, husband, a child, stability and happiness and inheriting a tonn of debt just drove her to this. And how she knows she is not regretful of her deeds, of being a hitwoman. And then she finds a purpose in her life after years and years of going by without feeling. How food can change someone's life is.
If there was ever a time where I would have been rooting for someone who kills for a living, it was this. And don't judge me yet, you read this, you too will find yourself rooting for a hitwoman.
I just loved it, loved how it started, loved how it panned out, loved how it ended and am waiting to get my hands on the next part as soon as I can.
The narration flows so smoothly. It is so descriptive, it felt like reading poetry in prose- nothing of that great an emotional impact at the first sight but as you let it sink in, you will realise how deeply the words will make you feel.
I just don't know why this book is not more talked about, it should be. It is a work of art, and it should get the recognizance it deserves.
I only have good things to say about this.
I loved it, I just loved it and nothing else.
All of this becomes my life. It is neither stimulating nor satisfying or even stifling. I am living. I am alive. I don’t want for anything, except there is a sort of dull hunger in me that I seem never able to fill.'
- Endings, Linda L. Richards
The book starts with the main protagonist, who has not been named, on one of her assignments, from there it proceeds to the past, the story of what mader her a hitwoman. How losing everything, husband, a child, stability and happiness and inheriting a tonn of debt just drove her to this. And how she knows she is not regretful of her deeds, of being a hitwoman. And then she finds a purpose in her life after years and years of going by without feeling. How food can change someone's life is.
If there was ever a time where I would have been rooting for someone who kills for a living, it was this. And don't judge me yet, you read this, you too will find yourself rooting for a hitwoman.
I just loved it, loved how it started, loved how it panned out, loved how it ended and am waiting to get my hands on the next part as soon as I can.
The narration flows so smoothly. It is so descriptive, it felt like reading poetry in prose- nothing of that great an emotional impact at the first sight but as you let it sink in, you will realise how deeply the words will make you feel.
I just don't know why this book is not more talked about, it should be. It is a work of art, and it should get the recognizance it deserves.
I only have good things to say about this.
I loved it, I just loved it and nothing else.
June 23, 2021
I adored this book! Yes, it's about a female assassin paid to kill (and she's un-named so it's harder to get into her psyche. But that's the point. But when she discovers a serial killer has been kidnapping and killing young children, she is determined to help; and after all, who but a killer could track down another? That's all the plot you get, but know that it's not just about killing or vengeance; it's also about redemption that might bring a tear or two to your eye. I was riveted and can't wait to read more by Richards!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
December 16, 2020
Like another reviewer, I don't have much to say about this other than I enjoyed it and stayed mostly engaged with it, and I found the characters and plot interesting.
I really appreciate the ARC for review!!
I really appreciate the ARC for review!!
Read
April 7, 2021More than just a thriller, ENDINGS serves as a framework for us to examine some thorny moral questions: What would lead a person to kill? Is there ever a “right” reason to do so? And perhaps most importantly, when is it time to stop?
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/04/06/a-kil...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/04/06/a-kil...
August 19, 2025
This was on display at the library as part of a collection of books that had never been checked out because apparently everyone else in the city has more sense than I do. Dire.
Currently reading
August 25, 2023Gift from publisher
March 1, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing.
I love a good killer woman book and this, my friends? Is a doozy!
So not to get too spoiler but we have an unnamed protagonist which I will admit weirded me out at first but now I think was a really cool and inspired choice.
This woman's choices could be made by anybody given the circumstances! And I really liked the idea of a killer going after a killer.
This book was wonderful!
I love a good killer woman book and this, my friends? Is a doozy!
So not to get too spoiler but we have an unnamed protagonist which I will admit weirded me out at first but now I think was a really cool and inspired choice.
This woman's choices could be made by anybody given the circumstances! And I really liked the idea of a killer going after a killer.
This book was wonderful!
April 6, 2021
What would drive you to kill someone for money? Endings explores that question. But more than that, the book looks at the various endings we face during life. The author digs deep into the emotions caused by the loss of family and brings us a character that reflects a little piece of all of us.
The author created a protagonist who is never named, a woman who we never really see while at the same time managing to share her feelings and emotions so clearly that you find yourself deeply invested in this character. Endings is a creative, realistic work of fiction that will leave you looking inside yourself.
She had a perfect life, a husband, a son she adored, a job and a lovely home – when all that is suddenly taken away life seems to lose all meaning. She accidentally overhears a conversation and soon she finds herself drawn into a world where she is a professional hitman. Her life becomes a series of missions, with few questions asked. Until a news story touches her heart and she decides to take on a serial killer….. can she find this monster and if she does can she kill him. Can she kill someone of her choosing? Can she be judge and executioner?
This book simply wowed me. While to story is harsh, dealing with murder for hire, the author added a deeply emotional side to the tale. Humanising a killer and showing you the inside of her mind. The protagonist is a normal, middle-aged woman – someone very much like myself. While reading this book I constantly wondered what I would do if I found myself in her situation. Scary!
The is no doubt I simply fell in love with this protagonist despite never really seeing her. All the author gives you about her leading lady is that she is a middle-aged woman. She doesn’t have a name and you are never given any kind of a description of what she looks like. At the same time, you are inside her head and left experiencing her emotions and feelings. The author did an absolutely marvellous job with the character.
I did not expect to end up loving a murderer for hire, however, this woman turned out to be someone I could relate to. I simply loved this book and think the author did a truly fantastic job creating a “bad guy” who was actually a “good guy”.
Endings is not your typical thriller story, it looks at murder very differently. This book will have thriller fans raving!
If you enjoy a thriller – please get your hands on a copy of this book. It is a fantastic read that will leave your head spinning! I guarantee this book will have you missing out on some sleep.
Wow what a read... lived it my full review will be complete tomorrow
Visit the blog: https://featzreviews.com
The author created a protagonist who is never named, a woman who we never really see while at the same time managing to share her feelings and emotions so clearly that you find yourself deeply invested in this character. Endings is a creative, realistic work of fiction that will leave you looking inside yourself.
She had a perfect life, a husband, a son she adored, a job and a lovely home – when all that is suddenly taken away life seems to lose all meaning. She accidentally overhears a conversation and soon she finds herself drawn into a world where she is a professional hitman. Her life becomes a series of missions, with few questions asked. Until a news story touches her heart and she decides to take on a serial killer….. can she find this monster and if she does can she kill him. Can she kill someone of her choosing? Can she be judge and executioner?
This book simply wowed me. While to story is harsh, dealing with murder for hire, the author added a deeply emotional side to the tale. Humanising a killer and showing you the inside of her mind. The protagonist is a normal, middle-aged woman – someone very much like myself. While reading this book I constantly wondered what I would do if I found myself in her situation. Scary!
The is no doubt I simply fell in love with this protagonist despite never really seeing her. All the author gives you about her leading lady is that she is a middle-aged woman. She doesn’t have a name and you are never given any kind of a description of what she looks like. At the same time, you are inside her head and left experiencing her emotions and feelings. The author did an absolutely marvellous job with the character.
I did not expect to end up loving a murderer for hire, however, this woman turned out to be someone I could relate to. I simply loved this book and think the author did a truly fantastic job creating a “bad guy” who was actually a “good guy”.
Endings is not your typical thriller story, it looks at murder very differently. This book will have thriller fans raving!
If you enjoy a thriller – please get your hands on a copy of this book. It is a fantastic read that will leave your head spinning! I guarantee this book will have you missing out on some sleep.
Wow what a read... lived it my full review will be complete tomorrow
Visit the blog: https://featzreviews.com
April 9, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for the eARC.
I enjoyed this read, I finished it in one day and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I wasn't too keen on the middle part when she's hunting the serial killer. I'm tired of the serial killer angle. That said, the protagonist is a hit woman...I guess she's a serial killer too. But I liked her, I even empathized with her. After her young son was killed in a fire and her husband eventually died of his injuries, she's dead inside with grief and broke. She stumbles into a deal with a couple where for $10,000 she has to kill a man who owes the couple a lot of money. She ends up being a paid assassin for a shadowy group who pays her in Bitcoin. This took a lot of research on her part; she has never used a gun, doesn't know how to get one, let alone shoot one and it takes a long time for her to learn everything involved in her new career, among others - how to open a Bitcoin account.
We never know her name or how she looks, but that doesn't matter, because we live in her head and get to know her very well...and I really liked and admired her. After taking the puppy after another hit I decided I wanted this to be a series - her going after cruel and nasty characters to make the world a safer place appeals to me: an female avenging angel and her trusty dog what's not to like!?
Well written and a good plot; a book I definitely recommend
I enjoyed this read, I finished it in one day and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I wasn't too keen on the middle part when she's hunting the serial killer. I'm tired of the serial killer angle. That said, the protagonist is a hit woman...I guess she's a serial killer too. But I liked her, I even empathized with her. After her young son was killed in a fire and her husband eventually died of his injuries, she's dead inside with grief and broke. She stumbles into a deal with a couple where for $10,000 she has to kill a man who owes the couple a lot of money. She ends up being a paid assassin for a shadowy group who pays her in Bitcoin. This took a lot of research on her part; she has never used a gun, doesn't know how to get one, let alone shoot one and it takes a long time for her to learn everything involved in her new career, among others - how to open a Bitcoin account.
We never know her name or how she looks, but that doesn't matter, because we live in her head and get to know her very well...and I really liked and admired her. After taking the puppy after another hit I decided I wanted this to be a series - her going after cruel and nasty characters to make the world a safer place appeals to me: an female avenging angel and her trusty dog what's not to like!?
Well written and a good plot; a book I definitely recommend
November 17, 2020
I have a fondness for stories about hitmen/hitwomen. Why I have no idea. Maybe I enjoy the dichotomy of someone who can kill for money, and then they go home and live a normal life. I especially love the books of Lawrence Block and John Locke (although he is pretty twisted). So when I saw the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, I jumped.
I truly enjoyed this book, and read it pretty quickly. I loved the humanness of her, while there was still a part of her that was closed off. I really enjoyed that we found out what created her - how did she become a hitwoman.
One thing I thought was missing was that we received some detail about how she got into this life, but then all of a sudden she was a pro. How did she learn to hot wire a car, and break into a house, etc. I felt like we received the beginning and the end, and missed some of the middle.
That being said, this was a truly enjoyable read and I really wanted to know what she was going to do next. I wasn't sure how it would end- I could have seen several different endings. This made the read more enjoyable - the suspense of not knowing. (how many times have we seen the end coming way before it happened).
I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC. This did not impact my review.
I truly enjoyed this book, and read it pretty quickly. I loved the humanness of her, while there was still a part of her that was closed off. I really enjoyed that we found out what created her - how did she become a hitwoman.
One thing I thought was missing was that we received some detail about how she got into this life, but then all of a sudden she was a pro. How did she learn to hot wire a car, and break into a house, etc. I felt like we received the beginning and the end, and missed some of the middle.
That being said, this was a truly enjoyable read and I really wanted to know what she was going to do next. I wasn't sure how it would end- I could have seen several different endings. This made the read more enjoyable - the suspense of not knowing. (how many times have we seen the end coming way before it happened).
I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC. This did not impact my review.
April 15, 2021
Endings is a book about a woman whose life was upended due to the death of her child and eventually her husband . An accidentally overheard conversation in the hospital leads our protagonist down the road of becoming a hitwoman (farfetched, I know). But willing to go along with the idea of how this starts, the reader has expectations of where it will go. And unfortunately, it went no where. The writing is so sparse with character development being almost nonexistent which I suppose as a hitwoman you'd want to live on the edge of existence. But it doesn't work for this reader. I can't empathize with her loss due to her life choices. She eventually hears about a serial killer that sounds worse than she is and determines to bring him to justice. Like all good thrillers the bad guy never just dies the first time around. Which was a shame as it just prolonged the book. Eventually, the hunt for the serial killer that was of lesser value than our hitwoman, leads her to self-discovery of forgiveness.
Thank you to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for offering an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for offering an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2023
Linda L. Richards takes readers on a thrilling journey through her novel, "Endings," an utterly captivating mystery that had me hooked from the first page. With a masterful plot, intricate characters, and expert storytelling, this book is a gem in the world of mystery fiction.
In "Endings," we meet the enigmatic Megan Crane, a seasoned investigative journalist who thrives on unraveling the truth behind every story. When she learns of the apparent suicide of her former mentor and dear friend, Professor Thomas McMurtrie, her world is turned upside down. Megan, fueled by her relentless determination, cannot accept the official explanation for his death. She embarks on her own quest for answers, determined to uncover the real story behind her mentor's demise.
Linda L. Richards does a remarkable job breathing life into her characters. Megan is a compelling and relatable protagonist, and her unwavering commitment to uncover the truth resonated with me. As she peels back the layers of Professor McMurtrie's life, the plot unfolds, revealing a complex tapestry of hidden motives and intricate relationships. The supporting cast is equally intriguing, each harboring their own enigmatic secrets that add depth and texture to the story.
Richards' writing is sharp and evocative, creating an atmosphere of tension and intrigue that lingered with me throughout the reading. The pacing is expertly handled, maintaining the suspense and keeping me invested in the narrative. The story is riddled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat right up to the story's final revelations.
"Endings" adeptly combines the thrill of a gripping mystery with a poignant exploration of human connections, past regrets, and the quest for redemption. It delves into the intricate facets of human nature, including the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
While the complexity of the plot added depth to the story, there were moments when I found myself retracing my steps to fully grasp the intricacies of the narrative. However, this only served to make the reading experience more engaging.
In sum, "Endings" is a compelling mystery that will undoubtedly satisfy aficionados of the genre. Linda L. Richards has crafted a narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and a profound exploration of the human psyche. If you crave a well-executed mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page, "Endings" is a book well worth your time.
In "Endings," we meet the enigmatic Megan Crane, a seasoned investigative journalist who thrives on unraveling the truth behind every story. When she learns of the apparent suicide of her former mentor and dear friend, Professor Thomas McMurtrie, her world is turned upside down. Megan, fueled by her relentless determination, cannot accept the official explanation for his death. She embarks on her own quest for answers, determined to uncover the real story behind her mentor's demise.
Linda L. Richards does a remarkable job breathing life into her characters. Megan is a compelling and relatable protagonist, and her unwavering commitment to uncover the truth resonated with me. As she peels back the layers of Professor McMurtrie's life, the plot unfolds, revealing a complex tapestry of hidden motives and intricate relationships. The supporting cast is equally intriguing, each harboring their own enigmatic secrets that add depth and texture to the story.
Richards' writing is sharp and evocative, creating an atmosphere of tension and intrigue that lingered with me throughout the reading. The pacing is expertly handled, maintaining the suspense and keeping me invested in the narrative. The story is riddled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat right up to the story's final revelations.
"Endings" adeptly combines the thrill of a gripping mystery with a poignant exploration of human connections, past regrets, and the quest for redemption. It delves into the intricate facets of human nature, including the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
While the complexity of the plot added depth to the story, there were moments when I found myself retracing my steps to fully grasp the intricacies of the narrative. However, this only served to make the reading experience more engaging.
In sum, "Endings" is a compelling mystery that will undoubtedly satisfy aficionados of the genre. Linda L. Richards has crafted a narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and a profound exploration of the human psyche. If you crave a well-executed mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page, "Endings" is a book well worth your time.
July 17, 2022
❤️ ENDINGS (The Endings Series Book 1)❤️
By Linda L Richards
✏️Another book about terrible people with major issues, that shows you don't have to be a genius to get away with crime.
✏️This is definitely not a romance, it is just sets from the wome with a family. The author is clearly an unreliable narrator, from how easily he jumps to conclusions and sees what he wants to see.
✏️So when I finally got my hands on it I just had to put everything else aside and start reading. And I was pulled in right away. I love the Woman Villan concept.
***Possibly some very minor spoilers***
"Fear and loneliness is the best deterrent of all"
✏️I was flipping these pages so fast, it's a miracle my fingers didn't catch on fire.I became so frustrated with the protagonist, that my stress levels were off the charts. I loved every minute of it!!
✏️The story centered around a women.This lady is living happily with her husband and son.In a fire accident she lost her son and in which her husband also falls into a coma.Because of this she leaves her work and everything else and she became one hit woman. She started to kill other people for a living.At this moment she learns about a serial killer, she planned to kill him on her own. I'm gonna stop spoiling here, grab your copy to know more about this.
✏️This writing is done right. Linda's narration manages to manipulate the reader into commiserating with her at times (or feeling tempted to, before shaking themselves off, with a chill to the bone).
✏️So, for those of you looking for a good thriller with some Greek mythology inspiration, I totally recommend this book.
By Linda L Richards
✏️Another book about terrible people with major issues, that shows you don't have to be a genius to get away with crime.
✏️This is definitely not a romance, it is just sets from the wome with a family. The author is clearly an unreliable narrator, from how easily he jumps to conclusions and sees what he wants to see.
✏️So when I finally got my hands on it I just had to put everything else aside and start reading. And I was pulled in right away. I love the Woman Villan concept.
***Possibly some very minor spoilers***
"Fear and loneliness is the best deterrent of all"
✏️I was flipping these pages so fast, it's a miracle my fingers didn't catch on fire.I became so frustrated with the protagonist, that my stress levels were off the charts. I loved every minute of it!!
✏️The story centered around a women.This lady is living happily with her husband and son.In a fire accident she lost her son and in which her husband also falls into a coma.Because of this she leaves her work and everything else and she became one hit woman. She started to kill other people for a living.At this moment she learns about a serial killer, she planned to kill him on her own. I'm gonna stop spoiling here, grab your copy to know more about this.
✏️This writing is done right. Linda's narration manages to manipulate the reader into commiserating with her at times (or feeling tempted to, before shaking themselves off, with a chill to the bone).
✏️So, for those of you looking for a good thriller with some Greek mythology inspiration, I totally recommend this book.
August 9, 2023
Catchy read for sure and only realized at the end that the Protagonist is unnamed.
The protagonist begins her story from a point of despair, having lost hope in what the world had to offer in her life. She is filled with bitterness and rage for the losses in her life and takes in her first job for the sake of it. She had lost everything that mattered to her anyway. Before she knew it, she was passing the time and kept going with her new job. To the outside eye, she is the girl next door but has much going on. Almost unbelievable.
Soon, her new norm starts to feel usual and everything takes a turn when this new serial killer gets on her radar. He is elusive and for some reason, even law enforcement is not able to catch him. Using her newfound skills due to her “job”, she tracks down the killer. She is so determined to a point I almost thought she would blow her cover. She went all in with all that she had got within her. Relentless and would not back down no matter what. There were children involved after all. Despite all that, at the last minute, the satisfaction of catching the killer is taken away from her. She hesitated for a second, she questioned her motives, was she the same as him? Did the killer get to her? Our protagonist finds redemption in the most unexpected way. Finding her new path and reason in life is brought to light by the unexpected.
I enjoyed the flow of this book. Would recommend it.
https://logophilesville.wordpress.com...
The protagonist begins her story from a point of despair, having lost hope in what the world had to offer in her life. She is filled with bitterness and rage for the losses in her life and takes in her first job for the sake of it. She had lost everything that mattered to her anyway. Before she knew it, she was passing the time and kept going with her new job. To the outside eye, she is the girl next door but has much going on. Almost unbelievable.
Soon, her new norm starts to feel usual and everything takes a turn when this new serial killer gets on her radar. He is elusive and for some reason, even law enforcement is not able to catch him. Using her newfound skills due to her “job”, she tracks down the killer. She is so determined to a point I almost thought she would blow her cover. She went all in with all that she had got within her. Relentless and would not back down no matter what. There were children involved after all. Despite all that, at the last minute, the satisfaction of catching the killer is taken away from her. She hesitated for a second, she questioned her motives, was she the same as him? Did the killer get to her? Our protagonist finds redemption in the most unexpected way. Finding her new path and reason in life is brought to light by the unexpected.
I enjoyed the flow of this book. Would recommend it.
https://logophilesville.wordpress.com...
July 13, 2022
Trained and deadly Female assassins are now dime a dozen in movies , YA fiction or detective novels. In this novel the female protagonist is a hitman who had no prior background in killing for money but starts excelling in it. And as story progresses it moves to from a normal killing spree to the one of love, loss and redemption.
The female killer life is told in a flashback which recounts her journey of becoming a hitman.Her life was shattered when her sondies in a fire tragedy and her husband barely makes out of it.However , in hospital , he also succumbs to the injuries and where a chance eavesdropping simply changes her to shift career to be an a paid killer..One project leads to another but slowly her life becomes empty and meaningless in this career.However when she comes to know about a children serial killer ,William atwater, she makes a personal mission to take him out but whether this quest leads to another kill or a redemption , makes the rest of story .
The language is pretty gritty and some episodes concerning the serial killer may make some people cringe as it involves killing scenes of children and animals.However if one can stomach it, it is one of the page turner in thriller genre.
The female killer life is told in a flashback which recounts her journey of becoming a hitman.Her life was shattered when her sondies in a fire tragedy and her husband barely makes out of it.However , in hospital , he also succumbs to the injuries and where a chance eavesdropping simply changes her to shift career to be an a paid killer..One project leads to another but slowly her life becomes empty and meaningless in this career.However when she comes to know about a children serial killer ,William atwater, she makes a personal mission to take him out but whether this quest leads to another kill or a redemption , makes the rest of story .
The language is pretty gritty and some episodes concerning the serial killer may make some people cringe as it involves killing scenes of children and animals.However if one can stomach it, it is one of the page turner in thriller genre.
July 10, 2022
Book: Endings
Author: Linda L. Richards
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing
Page count: 305
Human Life - most difficult subject in this entire world. It is so unpredictable. Whenever we feel it's a new beginning - suddenly some unbearable moment hits hard.
✍️ The story started with a monologue of mian protagonist. She was a simple married woman living happily with his husband and son. Everything was going perfect before the tragedy happened in her life.
👍A sudden incident took away his husband and boy. Left her all alone in this cruel world. She was trying hard to get back into normal life. But life was cooking something different for her.
👉She started killing people leaving her previous job. Yes, a simple housewife became paid murderer. One day she came to know about a serial killer and decided to kill him.
Now here the new twist turned on. What happened next? You have to read this book to know the answer.
👉 A real page turner
👉 Easy language
👉 The suspense sounds different from other thriller stories
I took three days to complete this book and recommending to those who are craving for a good thriller.
Author: Linda L. Richards
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing
Page count: 305
Human Life - most difficult subject in this entire world. It is so unpredictable. Whenever we feel it's a new beginning - suddenly some unbearable moment hits hard.
✍️ The story started with a monologue of mian protagonist. She was a simple married woman living happily with his husband and son. Everything was going perfect before the tragedy happened in her life.
👍A sudden incident took away his husband and boy. Left her all alone in this cruel world. She was trying hard to get back into normal life. But life was cooking something different for her.
👉She started killing people leaving her previous job. Yes, a simple housewife became paid murderer. One day she came to know about a serial killer and decided to kill him.
Now here the new twist turned on. What happened next? You have to read this book to know the answer.
👉 A real page turner
👉 Easy language
👉 The suspense sounds different from other thriller stories
I took three days to complete this book and recommending to those who are craving for a good thriller.
October 13, 2021
Richards, an accomplished thriller writer, first introduced her "hit woman" in a short story titled "Hitting Back" (2011). The themes of 'good and evil' and redemption stayed with Richards. Ten years later, she published Endings, the first of a series that will feature the female assassin.
This compelling novel, told in first person present tense dumps the reader into the killers world. Bit by bit her mindset emerges. The protagonist, a living example of complicated grief, reveals her pain to the reader by not allowing pain to be part of her current life.
Then a twist. A serial killer of children becomes a media sensation. How will this evil compare to the evil found in contact killing? How does suffering motivate both news outlets --if it bleeds it leads --
and those who are compelled by inner demons. Readers are challenged to find the answers along with our protagonist.
This was a novel that I could not put down. Happily the author is continuing assassin's story.
Exit Strategy is scheduled to be released in May 2022
Very highly recommended.
This compelling novel, told in first person present tense dumps the reader into the killers world. Bit by bit her mindset emerges. The protagonist, a living example of complicated grief, reveals her pain to the reader by not allowing pain to be part of her current life.
Then a twist. A serial killer of children becomes a media sensation. How will this evil compare to the evil found in contact killing? How does suffering motivate both news outlets --if it bleeds it leads --
and those who are compelled by inner demons. Readers are challenged to find the answers along with our protagonist.
This was a novel that I could not put down. Happily the author is continuing assassin's story.
Exit Strategy is scheduled to be released in May 2022
Very highly recommended.
July 15, 2022
This is a story of a hitman (woman actually) and the circumstances that led her to this path and also how she twisted it into something good. The story begins with one of hwr assignments and slowly we get the backstory of how she lost her son and husband and owing to the mental distress along with financial burden she took up her first job. The author walks us through the protagonists first hit, not just the method but also the emotions she felt. We get a few more assignments before the protagonist finds her personal aim - a serial killer who's making the children his victims.
The author walks us through the protagonists first hit, not just the method but also the emotions she felt.The author's writing style is very engaging, with little flashbacks and few words I was hooked to the book. The language is flourished and easy to understand and some words can really be quoted (as I have used in my post).
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it was very much a page turner. If you're a fan of thrillers and actions then you should definitely read this one.
The author walks us through the protagonists first hit, not just the method but also the emotions she felt.The author's writing style is very engaging, with little flashbacks and few words I was hooked to the book. The language is flourished and easy to understand and some words can really be quoted (as I have used in my post).
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it was very much a page turner. If you're a fan of thrillers and actions then you should definitely read this one.
June 24, 2022
How does it feel like when your everything is gone?
Well, to be honest, I would feel worthless living in the world.
The story revolves around the life of a woman who lives happily with her husband and son until she loses her son in a fire with her husband suffering from a coma who dies afterwards.
She gets shattered and lonely missing her happy family.
She then decides to kill a person for money and eventually becomes a hitwoman.
Leaving the job she did while she had a family, she decides to kill people for a living.
But things don't run according to our wishes. Soon, she comes to know about a dangerous serial killer whom the police is searching and she decides to kill that serial killer.
But everything is not that easy🙂.
This book associates with a tale of love, loss and conversion of a good person into an evil one.
I personally loved reading this amazing masterpiece. Everything is perfectly described, especially the "Bersa Thunder"part😍!!!
Well, to be honest, I would feel worthless living in the world.
The story revolves around the life of a woman who lives happily with her husband and son until she loses her son in a fire with her husband suffering from a coma who dies afterwards.
She gets shattered and lonely missing her happy family.
She then decides to kill a person for money and eventually becomes a hitwoman.
Leaving the job she did while she had a family, she decides to kill people for a living.
But things don't run according to our wishes. Soon, she comes to know about a dangerous serial killer whom the police is searching and she decides to kill that serial killer.
But everything is not that easy🙂.
This book associates with a tale of love, loss and conversion of a good person into an evil one.
I personally loved reading this amazing masterpiece. Everything is perfectly described, especially the "Bersa Thunder"part😍!!!
July 10, 2022
The concept of this book is very appealing to those who love crime thrillers, psychological and suspense thrillers. I think vengeance always takes you to your dark side, which you also do not know can exist. Everyone has their own dark side which they do not know about, here author will bring that side out from someone to kill the other person's dark side. So the book concept is mind-blowing for me.
Ever consider supporting a hit woman?
The narrator has everything when her story begins. She has a young child, a husband, an excellent job, a lovely home, and a meaningful life in place. Then tragedy hits when her son and husband perish in a fire. Her entire universe is shattered, and everything that previously seemed significant is now meaningless. She feels like a shell of the person she once was, her life entirely gone.
You would undoubtedly be curious about her motivations and her future plans.
To know more about this suspense, read this awesome thriller.
Ever consider supporting a hit woman?
The narrator has everything when her story begins. She has a young child, a husband, an excellent job, a lovely home, and a meaningful life in place. Then tragedy hits when her son and husband perish in a fire. Her entire universe is shattered, and everything that previously seemed significant is now meaningless. She feels like a shell of the person she once was, her life entirely gone.
You would undoubtedly be curious about her motivations and her future plans.
To know more about this suspense, read this awesome thriller.
July 15, 2022
I think vengeance always takes you to your dark side, which you also do not know can exist. Everyone has their dark side which they do not know about, here author will bring that side out from someone to kill the other person's dark side.
Provocative and powerful ... Page after page, Richards ratchets up the tension, weaving tradecraft, disguises, and psychology into a riveting tale that peels back the layers of the soul. The prose is often lyrical, the descriptions of the human heart achingly accurate. Linda L. Richards' Endings grabs you by the throat on page one and doesn't let go until The End.Endings brings you into a strange and dark world from page one, and then shows you the light. I highly recommend this book." --Sheena Kamal, Macavity Award-winning author .
To khow more about it go through the book. Language is quite to read it. Writing was also awesome . I suggest everyone to read this book. Overall it is a interesting book .
Provocative and powerful ... Page after page, Richards ratchets up the tension, weaving tradecraft, disguises, and psychology into a riveting tale that peels back the layers of the soul. The prose is often lyrical, the descriptions of the human heart achingly accurate. Linda L. Richards' Endings grabs you by the throat on page one and doesn't let go until The End.Endings brings you into a strange and dark world from page one, and then shows you the light. I highly recommend this book." --Sheena Kamal, Macavity Award-winning author .
To khow more about it go through the book. Language is quite to read it. Writing was also awesome . I suggest everyone to read this book. Overall it is a interesting book .
November 24, 2020
What does a fire, a Bersa , an Rv, a puppy and a psychic have in common? Well, a hitwoman ofcourse. This book has all that you need in a book about a hitwoman and her targets. The unnamed main character goes through painful hard times before entering the world of hitpeople? She is a likeable character who does a lot of self reflecting and analyses her actions, choices and all that she has become and where she is headed. She gardens, she shops in town, she cooks and she has a heart of gold, she’s just your next door neighbor being neighborly. There is intrigue, travel, romance, lots of thinking (she spends a lot of time on her own) and a killer that catches her attention and she decides to go after him pro bono. Great story, nicely executed.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.
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