Killers of a Certain Age

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn is the story of a group of four female assassins who have made it to retirement - no easy feat in their field. Now someone is trying to kill them.

Recruited and trained to be assassins in the 1970s, Billie, Mary Alice, Helen and Natalie are now retiring. They are the first female team since the one in the OSS during World War II. Forty years of taking out very bad people and surviving. 

For their retirement gift, they are sent on an ocean cruise. But on the very first day at sea, Billie notices someone she worked with on a job. When they search his room, they are sure - he is here to kill them.

These are not easy women to kill. Not only do they need to escape a ship at sea, but they also need to find out who gave the order and have it rescinded. 

Raybourn has written a thoroughly enjoyable story. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys mystery, thrillers, or just badass women who will not let others dictate their lives. 

Raybourn, Deanna. (2022). Killers of a Certain Age. New York: Berkeley Press. 

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell Mystery #1)

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn is the first book in her Veronica Speedwell mystery series.

Veronica Speedwell grew up is an orphan who grew up with her two aunts. Now her second aunt has passed away. While she Veronica should feel sad her thoughts keep drifting to the fact that she will be free to do as she pleases - which in her case is go on expeditions and catch butterflies. Having moved every few years growing up, she does not feel attached to the village she happens to be living in at the moment.

Veronica is a lepidopterist. She has been on quite a few expeditions and has sold butterflies to fund future travels. And she is ready to be off on a new adventure, but when she returns to the cottage after her aunt's funeral, there is a man searching the place. Assuming it is someone who read the death notice in the paper and is looking for valuables, Veronica scares him off. A baron helps her chase the intruder away.

Convinced Veronica is in danger and unwilling to leave her alone, the baron offers her a ride to London. Because it will save her the train fare, Veronica agrees. Once in London, the baron hands her over to Mr. Stoker for safe keeping. Mr. Stoker is in the midst of trying to stuff an elephant for a wealthy client. While Veronica does not believe she is in danger, she humors the baron. So begins her argumentative relationship with Stoker, a natural history scientist as well. When the baron is killed, Veronica and Stoker decide to find out who killed him.

Raybourn has created a wonderful new mystery series which begins in the year 1887. Fans of Maisie Dobbs will likely enjoy this series, thought the books have a different feel and are set years apart. I am very much looking forward to Veronica and Stoker's future adventures.

Raybourn, Deanna. (2015). A Curious Beginning. New York: New American Library.