Exit Strategy

Endings #2

by Linda L. Richards

Her assignment is different this time—to keep someone alive. Being a hired killer has taken its toll, though not as much as losing her whole family before she made that abrupt career change. She’s tired and depressed, but keeping the beautiful CTO of a hot tech company alive seems worthwhile. There are complications and some people have to die as she protects her target—and the invention that will change the world for good.

Perfect for fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Dexter

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2022

About the author

Linda 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.

Reviews

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked about the book: the writing style. Although I never read the first book with this namelesss killer-for-hire, it wasn't difficult to get a feeling for who she is and what she does - or doesn't. Actually, a few pages in I thought that I maybe would stop and buy and read the first book first.
I liked the dog a lot. He doesn't have a real voice but he's a very important character. I liked the fact that the author doesn't humanize him. He's important in his own role.

What I didn't like: the digital copy was very hard to read because half of the words weren't there. Especially because English is not my first language, filling in the missing letters in my head while reading is very tiresome.
There is a great scientific idea that plays a major part in this story. It's all explained in detail and the funny thing is, I almost started to believe that it could work. What I don't understand is why this great idea would be for Americans exclusively. There is talk of machines that won't be manufactured in China because then they need to be shipped to the US. So the factory needs to be build in the US. But the idea is something that could be used worldwide.
Nowadays it's not done to invent something that could benefit the whole world but keep it for yourself.

The story was sometimes slowing down a lot, due to elaborate explanations regarding the important scientific invention and all implications this will cause.

I ended up with mixed feelings; I think I could have enjoyed the book more than I did now.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Oceanview Publishing for this review copy.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman with no name, she's an assassin but reluctantly so. This is the second book in a series with no name. Exit Strategy by Linda L. Richards is a great new expierience for me. I found the story in the first book intriguing enough that I had to read it and now the second is on its way out in stores and the greatness continues. She is trying to withdraw from killing people but she needs the money but who will care for her dog when she is working? What about the man following her? This time the job is different, she has to keep someone alive instead of killing them. I must really thank @oceanviewpub @this_is_edelweiss @edelweiss_squad and @netgalley for giving me this advance copy of #ExitStrategy and @lindalrichards for writing these books.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exit Strategy by Linda L Richards is one of those books I jump on as soon as I see it. I love books about assassins and hitmen, especially when they are women.

She puts her head down and moves forward. For what? Why does she get up in the morning, other than the dog? She needs something to have some meaning.

She is an assassin, but she wants out. No more killing. That is not to be. She is being solicited for another job, but this is the opposite of what she is normally hired for. She is hired to save someone from another assassin. Her instincts are sharp and even if they are not always one hundred per cent accurate, it’s close enough.

Financial wheelings and dealings supplied the perfect title.

Lots of action, but not the heart pounding kind. After all, assassins have to do their research so it resembles a police procedural…sort of.

I haven’t read Endings, the first book in the series, but after meeting her, I want to know more. Did this affect my rating? I wanted to love this book, but couldn’t quite get there. That being said, I would still recommend it to readers like me that cannot resist a strong female characters that does what needs to be done.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Exit Strategy by Linda L Richards.

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO will find EXIT STRATEGY --- the sequel to Linda L. Richards’ 2021 novel, ENDINGS --- to be intriguing. It concerns an unnamed hired killer who questions her chosen profession. Her anonymous “handler,” who had assigned previous assassinations, is aware of this career change, but there is one more assignment: protect the life of the handler’s daughter, Virginia Martin.

Martin is the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of start-up Greenmüll, a “green” plant that converts garbage to energy. The company survives off private funding and a new stock IPO listing. Greenbacks flood the corporate office, but there is only a prototype that burns more cash than trash. “[A]ny time there’s a lot of money involved in anything, the chances of people getting killed go up.” Someone is short-selling the company stock, and Greenmüll purchased for the CTO a high-value life insurance policy. Now, someone wants her dead.

To get close to Martin, encircled by a glitzy but dubious retinue, the narrator assumes the persona of a private financial advisor for the über-wealthy. She adopts the style of a Wall Street mogul and dresses to the nines. Money is no object. Greenmüll’s CEO and other officers welcome without question the person who claims to wield control over the portfolios of wealthy investors.

After the deaths of her family members, the unnamed narrator became an assassin because “the sum of my life left me in a black hole. I was desperate, but I was also empty.” Her only friend is an unnamed dog.

The narrator’s inner voice reflecting on her job as a hired assassin and that of the Virginia Martin protector suggest dissociative identity disorder. Think the Joanne Woodward film The Three Faces of Eve or, more recently, Erin Kelly’s phenomenal WATCH HER FALL. Two individuals seem to battle within one well-dressed but confused person. Like the unnamed narrator, the story has no end. Planting the seed of an Academy Award-winning film?

Linda L. Richards is a journalist and award-winning author of 16 books who is known for strong female protagonists in the thriller genre. She is the founding editor of January Magazine and one of the co-founders of "The Rap Sheet" blog. ENDINGS has been optioned by a major studio for production. She divides her time between Arizona, California and Vancouver, Canada.

Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A female assassin no name.
With a golden dog with no name. Golden eyes.
This Book was definitely a mystery it's a book 2. However I didn't know about the 1st book I wasn't aware of it. I think it would have been better had I read the 1st book but it was pretty good over all. Assassin who kills and then protects.. An assassin who can walk into parties, And no one notices... she gets things Done..
Her way.
This was a very intriguing story.
I be buying the fist book.

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exit Strategy is the second in this wildly engaging series. We find the assassin middle-aged and at a crossroads living in the dark underworld of society. It's clear she, at one time had family, friends, and routine however that changed, and she found herself nameless and friendless except for her no name dog who remains with her through the story.

She is currently trying to figure out how she went from a normal life to this one. She struggles with depression and living seems unbearable. Through this we see glimpses of the trauma that began her spiral downward and are left wondering if she'll get to the other side or end it all.

As she debates this, an unexpected job presents itself. This one directly opposing contract killing, instead she is asked to save the life of high-profile, internationally known target. Taking the job may just be her road to redemption.



I love the author's ability to weave in suspense while building an intricate story. This book left me on the edge of my seat, and I really hope there is a book three. I love how strong our anonymous heroine is and I want to see her keep evolving.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been so interesting spending time in the world of this deeply troubled character. To see where her path is leading, and be informed about what may still be to come. I have to be honest: she astonishes me. She's been through so much. Yet she still seems to manage to continue to move towards the light.

It was also a joy spending this much energy in the world of a high tech startup. It turns out that there's a lot more to changing the world than you'd think at first glance! (Certainly more than I thought.) Thanks for joining me on the journey.

[Clea Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book – the followup to Linda L. Richard's ENDINGS. Honestly, I wasn't sure how she could continue the story of her second-career hit woman, but EXIT STRATEGY unfolded a complete story on its own, while leaving the door open to a third. What grabbed me right away with both books is the voice – wounded, laconic, and utterly irresistible. I'm honored to have gotten an ARC of this new psychological thriller and cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exit Strategy, the sequel to Linda L. Richards’s novel, Endings, was extremely intriguing. It is about an unnamed hired killer who questions her chosen profession. Her anonymous hirer who had assigned previous assassinations, is aware of her alternative career wishes, but there is one more assignment: protect the life of the handler’s daughter, Virginia Martin, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of start-up Greenmüll, a “green” plant that converts waste to energy. The company is privately funded, someone is short-selling the company stock, and Greenmüll purchased for the CTO a high-value life insurance policy. Now, someone wants her dead.

To get close to Martin, the narrator takes on board the persona of a private financial advisor for the exceptionally wealthy. The unnamed narrator became an assassin because of the deaths of her family members which left her despairing and in a bad place. Her only friend is an unnamed dog - a Golden Retriever. Suspenseful, intricate and well worth a look.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Oceanview Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exit Strategy portrays a hired woman assassin with a twisted new mission. Using all of her background knowledge and tricks as a hitwoman, the heroine is assigned to prevent a murder. Linda Richards leads the reader through a riveting account of not only how, but also why, the assassin needs to make a change in her career. Thank you, Goodreads for offering me a thrilling, irresistible novel!

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Oceanview Publishing and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A thriller with an unexpected turn. I found it hard to follow st times but still enjoyable.

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Exit Strategy" by Linda L. Richards is a fast-paced thriller that introduces a hired killer on an unusual assignment – to keep someone alive rather than eliminate them. While the novel offers moments of suspense and intrigue, it falls into the realm of a three-star rating for several reasons.

The premise of a hired killer undergoing an assignment shift from taking lives to protecting one is intriguing. The protagonist's internal struggle and the toll her previous career has taken on her add depth to the character. The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency as the killer navigates the complexities of her new assignment.

The pacing is generally swift, with action-packed sequences driving the plot forward. The novel explores themes of redemption, the impact of one's past choices, and the possibility of change. The tension is maintained as the protagonist works to protect the CTO of a tech company and a groundbreaking invention with the potential to change the world.

However, certain aspects of the novel may feel somewhat formulaic, and the plot's reliance on action scenes can occasionally overshadow character development. The protagonist's emotional struggles are touched upon, but a deeper exploration of her psyche and internal conflicts could enhance the reader's connection with the character.

The supporting characters, including the CTO, are introduced with varying degrees of depth. While the novel focuses on the action and the mission at hand, the relationships and interactions could be more nuanced to create a more immersive reading experience.

The resolution of the story may leave some readers wanting more closure and a more thorough exploration of the consequences of the protagonist's choices. The novel hints at the potential for moral and ethical dilemmas but doesn't fully delve into the complexities.

In summary, "Exit Strategy" delivers a fast-paced thriller with an unconventional premise. While the action sequences and suspenseful elements contribute to an engaging read, the novel could benefit from a deeper exploration of characters and themes to elevate it to a higher rating. Fans of action-packed thrillers with a unique twist may find elements to enjoy, but those seeking more depth in character development and plot execution may find the novel falling slightly short of expectations.

[Grace Convertino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unnamed narrator, a middle-aged female assassin, is in the midst of an existential crisis and deep depression. She thinks often about killing herself, but ultimately doesn’t because of her also unnamed Golden Retriever. She took on the job of assassin after a life-altering tragedy, but now is tired and has regrets about past jobs and killing again. She contacts her handler, who listens and tells her she will only call on her services for something that will be in line with her talents. The handler phones after a short hiatus with a different type of job offer: she is being hired to keep Virginia Martin, the CTO of a start-up tech company, alive. Seems someone wants Virginia, who is developing a world-changing technology, dead; and the handler has a special stake in the assassin keeping her alive. Virginia is her daughter.

This book is a clever twist on the usual hired assassin novels. Not only is our narrator in a personal crisis, depressed, and having a change of heart about her later-in-life career, she is slowly developing a personal phone relationship with her handler. The handler in this type of thriller is typically anonymous, through the dark web or another such instrument used to get a message to the assassin. The circumstances in which one might have fairly prolonged conversation with their handler I could have never imagined before this book. As in all first-person accounts, I did wonder how reliable the narrator was, though by the end of the book I thought she was authentic. I became invested in her personal crises, her relationship with nature and her dog, and the way she kept her demons at bay. (The fact that she was taking an online nutrition course from Cornell was a bit farfetched for me, though—there was more than a little suspension of disbelief involved. A suicidal assassin studying nutrition to keep herself healthy and extend her longevity?) It was a page-turning work; and once the typos and missing letters are filled it, it will be a very enjoyable read.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing, and Linda L. Richards for the ability to read and review this ARC.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel, the plot a change from the usual one featuring an assassin. Richards' writing style is a bit different from the typical thriller in that it is in the present tense and mostly prose. We readers experience the life of the heroine through her thoughts in first person narrative. There is some dialogue and not a great deal of action. Most of the novel's text is descriptive prose.

The character development is a bit different than I expected. Richards does not delve into the particular mental attitude the nameless heroine experiences as an assassin. This was covered, I think, in the first novel in this series where the heroine actually becomes an assassin. We do experience her thoughts about her remaining family members and an attempt to reconnect with her as well as her attachment to her dog.

I always like to learn something when reading a novel, in this one a bit about start up companies and financing. I also found out more about short selling stock and what it might take to make that work. Since the company in this novel is about energy production, I also learned about private generation of energy and selling it to the power company. And there was also some interesting information about nutrition.

For the assassin to protect the woman to whom she is assigned, she has to figure out who would want to kill her and why. That is a bit of a strange process and it is only by making mistakes and eliciting the help of others she gets even remotely close. There is an interesting twist at the end as to who killed who and why.

I liked the novel. I liked learning about energy and stocks. I would have liked less prose and more action but did enjoy the novel as written. I think I need to read the first in the series to satiate my desire to understand the mind of an assassin.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Susan Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exit Strategy (the second in the 2-book Endings series) offers a view into the mindset of a nameless middle-aged woman whose life was, at some point in the past, wrenched from a familiar small-town routine and thrust into an underworld of darkness, isolation, and contract killing. It is the very anonymity of the character that resonates with me: no name, no friends, and a home shared with only a Golden Retriever, who also remains nameless through the story.

We’re given a glimpse of the private world in which she functions (the act of living seems at times to be almost too much of a burden) and in which she struggles to make sense of the what and why of her present path in life. With only hints of a past tragedy that sent her spiraling down into darkness, we’re left wondering if she can find the strength to remain with the living, or if she will succumb and seek oblivion in eternal darkness.

Even as the temptation to end it all persists, she’s offered an assignment that’s diametrically opposed to the business of contract killing: the chance to protect a high-profile, internationally known target. When she accepts, she finds herself on a path that just might lead to redemption.

The author does a brilliant job of building suspense through action and leads us into a world where high-tech research and “unicorn start-ups” have the potential to change lives on a global scale.

This is fast-paced, intricately plotted mystery/thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you reading to the stunning conclusion.

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read! This is the second of three so far in this series. Though it can be read as a standalone, I would loved to have read book 1 first to get more into the why of the strong female protagonist the author created.

The protagonist remains nameless as the story is told in the first person. Because of a personal family tragedy, she becomes a hit woman. But you will wonder… is it revenge or healing she is looking for? The job isolates her and keeps her from feeling g emotion. She likes this life (for now?) of being anonymous and unnoticeable. Get hired, do the job, go back home… no ties, no emotions, no relationships.

In this book instead of being hired to kill someone, she is hired to keep someone alive. But she doesn’t know why. She has to find out why…..

The author did a great job writing this story and she did not reveal details too early so the suspense was definitely there and kept building. How can a hit “person” go from killing to saving? Will this job cause her to start feeling emotion and connections again?

I received a free copy of this book from Partners In Crime Book Tours in exchange for my honest review

[Juli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exit Strategy is the follow up to the previous book in the series, Endings. I highly recommend that Endings be read prior. The previous book fills in the backstory of our unnamed protagonist and why she does what she does.

This book begins with what the male in the restaurant believes is a first date with our character. It is the first and last since she fatally poisons him. Our character is a hit woman.

Against type, her next job is one of protection. She is hired to protect Virginia Martin, a scientist and head of a company that is going to save our civilization by processing trash into energy. This job is a welcome change. Now this is not to say that there is not some killing still, but our character begins to try and work out who wants to kill Virginia and why.

Our character begins to question why she is doing what she is. Will she continue, or will she seek out something else? With only a dog as a companion, is she satisfied? Perhaps these questions will be answered in the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC. The review is my own.

[Linann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I prefer reading series books in order, I purchased and quickly read HITWOMAN, the first book in Linda L. Richards new series before starting EXIT STRATEGY. Both books are easy to read once you get used to not knowing a many details about the hitwoman, including her name. Although, as the series progresses, you discover a lot in both books about the hitwoman’s motives and how she lives. In EXIT STRATEGY, the hitwoman’s unexpected assignment is to protect a female IT executive critical to new technology that converts waste into energy. It is difficult to believe a relatively novice hitwoman can figure out who might want to take out the IT executive and actually save her when a lot of the investigation is watching from a car parked on the street and finagling a tour. However, the story speeds along with a reasonable motive developed and an unexpected ending. At first, I wasn’t sure if EXIT STRATEGY is the end of the series, but now think the author is shifting the hitwoman’s future. Revealing more would ruin this story, and it certainly is worth reading.

[Hannah Sutherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the synopsis about following an assassin who is now hired to keep someone alive, I jumped at the chance to read the book. First off, I have to say that I loved Richard’s writing style. It flowed amazingly and just sucked you into the story line. It is the second book in this series, but I don’t think you necessarily need to read the first book before reading this one. For the most part I was able to understand everything that was going on with the characters. You could definitely tell that the author did her research with the storyline and tech companies and it showed in her writing! Overall, I would have liked to seen more character development with the MC and hopefully get to keep seeing her evolve if the series continues!

[Dianna (SavingsInSeconds blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book. The idea of an unnamed main character (and an unnamed sweet dog) was new to me. The world of business, stock market, and corporate dealings is also out of my realm, so I felt a bit like a fish out of water while reading this. There were a few parts that didn't completely make sense because I didn't read the first one. Enough information is provided to give a bit of a backstory, though. There's a lot of action in Exit Strategy. The protagonist plays a high-stakes game and that adds some intensity to the story.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. Opinions shared are mine.

[Patricia Gussin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The protagonist in Exit Strategy (the second in a series, following “Endings”) does not have a name, at least not on that is shared with the reader, as we learn of her extraordinary life as an assassin. That life is wearing on her; she considers ending it all. Then she’s hired to save a young woman, not kill her. At first, I was jolted by the woman and her relationship with her profession. I had a sort of love-hate relationship. Until I learned more. This book pulls you in deeply. Into the whys . . . and hows. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[Jay Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

All the missing letters and formatting issues made this quite difficult to read but, as this was a proof copy, this will not factor into my rating.

I actually really enjoyed this story and thought the plot was super interesting. The nameless main character was really well written and grew on me throughout the book. This is the second book in a trilogy so I'm going to go back to read the first one before the 3rd book is released.

4 stars.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the author's writing style. It was simple and easy to follow. I enjoyed the plot, although the end was a bit off for me. It was open to interpretation and it kept me thinking did Martin get away with murder?

CW: death of a child, suicide ideation, murder,

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was completely intrigued by a female assassin for hire, however this is second in the series and it probably would have made more sense had I read the first book. The main character remains nameless but it does not cause confusion, the writing is done well. I highly recommend reading the first book first. Thank you Netgalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tony Berryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent read! What’s the best job for a contract assassin who doesn’t want to kill anymore? Try to keep a young woman alive. This story pulled me on a solid, relentless ride through big finance and constant questions, but the real gift – aside from Richards’ writing, which is wonderful – was rooting for the assassin herself in the struggle against her demons. The end satisfies, and opens a world of possibilities for the next book in the series. I’ll be waiting.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I haven't read the first one, but I plan on it after being captivated by this one. She is an unnamed assassin that wants to stop killing. When she is offered a job that instead of killing, she is hired to keep someone alive. As she is trying to do her job, she doesn't know who she can trust and who is the enemy.

A fast paced page turner that keeps you guessing. Thank you to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

[AC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alas, a DNF for me. I understand uncorrected proofs are called that for a reason, but this particular one was simply dreadful. Between the dropped letters or words in virtually every sentence, I gave up after two chapters because it was giving me a massive headache.

Neutral three out of five. If I pick it up now that it's released, I'll edit this.

Sorry, Oceanview. You know I love you.

Thanks to Oceanview and NetGalley for the reading copy.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in an interesting series that is completely different from what I normally read. A woman who hires out as an assasin is hired to keep a woman alive. Linda Richards takes the abrupt turn around and skillfully gives us a woman who must now reverse everything she has trained herself to do. The first book was great, this second one just as good. Read it for yourself, you'll love it too!

[Norma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 2 stars
I'm genuinely confused about Exit Strategy. This wasn't my cup of tea. I struggled to finish it. Unfortunately, I didn't find the writing style interesting and the characters were very unlikable.

[Mehva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the premise interesting and think it would have been better If I read the first book in the series. It was somewhat confusing and made even more so by so many words that were not fully written in the ARC. I know this will be corrected but for me, i had to guess at least one word per paragraph which was annoying