Careless Assassin

by H.L. Macfarlane

What would you do to save your life? How far would you go? Would you be willing to betray those you love - even your parents? For Claire Danvers, it wasn't something she thought she would ever know. But when she's forced to make a decision, her life for her parents' research, that's exactly what she finds out. Now held hostage by her would-be assassins, Claire has to figure out a way to escape before it's too late...whilst those very assassins grow increasingly obsessed with her.

532 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2019

About the author

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NOTE: H. L. Macfarlane is currently on a publishing hiatus to focus on her mental health. She hopes to return with new titles in early 2026 and appreciates your understanding in the meantime.

Hayley Louise Macfarlane hails from the very tiny hamlet of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond in Scotland. After graduating with a PhD in molecular genetics she did a complete 180 and moved into writing fiction. Though she loves writing multiple genres (fantasy, romance, sci-fi, psychological fiction and horror so far!) she is most widely known for her enemies-to-lovers STEM rom-com, The Unbalanced Equation, and her Gothic, Scottish fairy tale, Prince of Foxes – book one of the Bright Spear trilogy.

Reviews

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a big, chunky, bumper book of intriguing reading that although many pages long holds your attention from start to finish.
"Careless Assassin" is Hayley Macfarlane's debut book and it really is an excellent and compelling first novel that has been well plotted, executed and excellently written.
How far would you go to save your life? Would you betray those you love, even your parents? Claire Danvers survives a attempt on her life only to be kidnapped and held hostage by the people paid to kill her. Forced to make a decision - her life for her parents' research, Claire must figure a way out before it's too late. But is everybody who you think they are?
I enjoyed reading how Claire adapted to life living in the assassin complex and how she overcame a distressing event to become strong enough to survive the kidnapping. Since the story is told from each of the main characters point of view you also get inside the head of the twisted assassin called 'Itchi' and see exactly what makes him be so cold blooded.
Constantly you wonder where the story will lead and with twists and turns galore it leads to a thrilling and climatic end that is left readymade for a next book in the series.
There is quite a brutal attack scene in the story (that is appropriate to the plot) so it may not be suitable for younger readers but I do believe thriller readers will love this and I would highly recommend and happily read more by this author again. I impatiently look forward to book 2!
4 stars.

[Coco.V]

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[Ken Biltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

HL did not fail to entertain me. This book kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the read. I can not wait to find the second book and continue Claire's battles against this ruthless villain, Michael.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are lots of twists and turns in this book, just when you are sitting back and thinking you understand where it’s going next, BAM it takes another turn in a completely different direction! The book is fairly long but it’s a page turner, so it never really felt as if I was sitting there reading it forever. The plot is great as are the characters, if you like a book that you can get involved in and it keeps you guessing then this is probably the book for you! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on my toes and just when I thought I finally understood what’s going on it took a turn yet again. While it is a really long with about 1200 pages it never made me feel like quitting because there was always something I wanted to know and that I hoped would finally be revealed. Some of the content was a little disturbing and the behavior of the characters didn’t always make sense to me but the end revealed the reasoning behind it all. Overall a great plot with very interesting characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kyra Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't even realize how long this book was until I finished it. It was THAT good. Ichi is the sort of character I fall in love with in any story: troubled, perhaps unlikable for some, but deeply sympathetic nonetheless. The plot twisted and turned so much I never found myself bored or ready to dig into another story (a common problem for my ADD with some longer books). Claire and all of the characters were well-written and believable. One scene was perhaps a bit brutal for me, but I loved the book.

[Jake_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It jumps straight into the action when Claire is kidnapped and has to deal with her new life surrounded by assassins.

All the characters are well written and even the side characters feel fleshed out. Ichi is so complicated and I love his character. He's a bad person and he likes it, but throughout the story you begin to feel sorry for him.

The explosive ending makes me want to read the sequel to see what happens next!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has been kidnapped and she will be given a choice which will not be easy. It will be a choice her parents life or hers. They want her parents research and she needs to make a decision. Can she save her parents and their research? Will they ever let her go? See how she gets on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni Hallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the book. It was a massive page turner and the twists and turns are amazing. I couldn’t put the book down. I can not wait for the sequel. You won’t be disappointed

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.