I’m not an extremely avid reader of thrillers. However, I was quite interested in delving into this particular one for my online book club. The Canadian angle presented in the story is truly intriguing, and I have a penchant for a good serial killer narrative.

This isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill thriller. The pace is rather slow and methodical. It seems to focus more on the behind-the-scenes work involved in being a killer for hire rather than offering a fast-paced journey through a mystery. While I did appreciate the shifting points of view between the victims/killer and Nadia, it did somewhat overemphasize the actual climax of the story. There are numerous locales and threads to follow, but there were some excellent action scenes towards the end.

I think I desired it to be more of a genuine mystery rather than waiting for the diverging plot lines to intersect and having to really work through it. We see Nadia and Jack grappling with things on their own levels, but at times, the jargon and the need to catch up with them slightly dampened the intrigue. By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was anticipating, nor did it feel like a major, highly built-up confrontation. But I didn’t despise it either, so it’s difficult to determine how effective this book was in achieving what it set out to do.

I think I mostly relished how deeply it delved into its characters. Armstrong was able to create Nadia as a well-rounded main character without relying too much on the clichés of the “strong female lead.” Despite having a significant amount of trauma in her background, she still felt like a fully formed human being rather than devolving into a sex goddess/killer, as many such characters can.

I’ve never read Armstrong’s work before, and I understand that this was a departure from her usual genres. According to the friend who recommended this, apparently Nadia’s story really intensifies in the next installments. I’m not desperate to pick up the sequels immediately, but I might do so at some point in the future. It was enjoyable to discuss this with my group and exchange our favorite serial killer media.

I truly enjoyed this reading experience to a great extent.

However, I couldn't help but feel that it was somewhat lacking in character originality.

The heroine was indeed very likable, and I had a great affection for her.

Nevertheless, when it came to the other characters, I didn't really have the same level of love or connection.

It seemed to be missing that extra special element that is typically present in most of Kelley's books.

This made me a bit disappointed as I had high expectations based on her previous works.

Nonetheless, I still found the story engaging and was able to follow along with the plot.

Perhaps with some improvements in character development and adding that unique touch, this book could have been even better.

Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't quite reach the level of excellence that I have come to expect from Kelley.

Armstrong truly tells a captivating tale. I have always been intrigued by her characters, finding them not only interesting but also highly believable. The main story, which revolves around hitmen追踪 a hitman who has turned into a serial killer, hits two of my favorite themes: teamwork and a diverse group of individuals who must collaborate despite not necessarily trusting each other. It's a fascinating dynamic that keeps the reader engaged.

In addition to the thrilling main plot, Armstrong skillfully weaves in a romance. She employs standard romance tropes such as miscommunication, misunderstanding, and a rival for affections, but does so in a very well-integrated way. What I particularly enjoyed was that the problem that could have been resolved with a simple conversation was actually made worse by the conversation. This added an extra layer of complexity and drama to the story.

All in all, this is a fine read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more about Canadian hitmen in love. Armstrong has a talent for creating engaging stories with well-developed characters and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

The story was interesting enough, but there was nothing really special about it. It seemed to lack that certain something that would make it truly stand out.

The plot was rather ordinary, following a familiar pattern that didn't offer many surprises. The characters, too, were not developed in a particularly deep or engaging way.

What was most disappointing, however, was the ending. It was extremely abrupt, as if the author had simply run out of ideas or time and decided to wrap things up quickly. There was no sense of resolution or closure, leaving the reader feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

Overall, while the story had its moments of interest, it failed to live up to its potential due to its lack of originality and the rushed ending. It was a decent read, but not one that would leave a lasting impression.

I am so extremely happy that I happened to pick up this wonderful series by one of my all-time favourite writers. From the very moment I started reading, I have been thoroughly immersed in the story. The characters are so vividly brought to life that I feel as if they are real people right in front of me. Their personalities, their emotions, everything is so well-developed and engaging. And the action-packed pace of this book is just amazing. It keeps me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages one after another without a break. There is never a dull moment. I just can't get enough of it. This is truly a book that you can't go wrong with. It has everything that a great book should have - interesting characters, exciting plot, and a writing style that hooks you from the start. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.

This could potentially be the very first installment in a series, and let me tell you, I absolutely adored it!

Nadia is truly a unique character. Her thoughts, her emotions, and everything she witnesses - as the reader, you get to experience it all. The way Armstrong integrated Nadia's past into the novel was nothing short of excellent. It wasn't all revealed right from the start, which made me keep turning the pages, not only to discover what would happen next but also to learn more about Nadia and understand the reasons behind her behavior.

Then there's Jack - a man I'm really eager to get to know better. And I have a hunch that Nadia will somehow manage to find a way to ask him, and he'll respond. He's not much of a talker, and his face and eyes never betray the story of his feelings or thoughts. He's complex, and I'm hopeful that we'll learn a great deal more about him as the series progresses.

I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil it for those who plan to read this novel. There are other characters in the book as well - a few of them might leave you a bit confused - and I think I might have an inkling as to why, but at this point, all I can do is speculate.

There's just enough kissing to make you yearn for more. The action and the details of everything keep the book firmly in your grip. I had an extremely difficult time trying to put this book down. It's a definite must-read and a highly recommended one at that!

I have a profound affection for the Nadia Stafford books.

These books have a unique charm that keeps me hooked from the very first page. The character of Nadia Stafford is incredibly well-developed, and her journey throughout the series is both captivating and inspiring.

The plots are filled with twists and turns, making it impossible to put the books down. I find myself constantly on the edge of my seat, eager to discover what will happen next.

The writing style is engaging and流畅, allowing me to easily immerse myself in the story.

Whether it's the action-packed scenes or the more emotional moments, the Nadia Stafford books never fail to deliver. I highly recommend them to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.

They are truly a must-read for book enthusiasts.

This is the first non-fantasy book I've read and it was simply AWESOME!!!

It might be because it was written by Kelley Armstrong, who is an incredibly talented author.

I'm so impressed that I'm already starting the second one right away.

Moreover, I'm eagerly looking forward to 2013 when the third one will be released.

If you've read The Women of the Otherworld series and have a soft spot for Elena, then you should definitely give this book a try.

Even though it's not a fantasy novel, trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Kelley Armstrong has a way of captivating readers with her engaging storylines and well-developed characters, regardless of the genre.

So don't hesitate, pick up this book and get ready to be hooked from the very first page.

Reread September 2019
This book came up for sale on Kindle, and I immediately grabbed it. I have a genuine fondness for Nadia, and the slow pace of this particular story really appeals to me. It's truly excellent storytelling that manages to draw you in and keep you engaged from start to finish.

Read January 2017
I really liked this one. I have a deep affection for Nadia. She's a badass in the truest sense, without all the unnecessary and ridiculous commentary and arrogance that some characters possess. The shifting perspectives in the book are a great addition. They manage to keep things interesting and don't become annoying, as is often the case with some other books. I really appreciate that the romance in this story isn't forced upon the reader. Instead, there's a clear potential for a romance to develop, and the build-up and anticipation are just perfect. It makes the whole reading experience even more enjoyable.

Starting off, Nadia Stafford reminds me of Casey Duncan in City of the Lost.

Both characters share certain similarities that make the comparison quite interesting. Nadia, like Casey, is a strong and independent woman. She has a past that haunts her, yet she manages to find strength within herself to face the challenges that come her way.

In the story, Nadia's character is developed in a way that makes her relatable and engaging. We see her grow and change as she navigates through the complex web of events. Similarly, Casey in City of the Lost also undergoes a transformation as she adapts to the strange and dangerous world of Rockton.

Their determination and resilience in the face of adversity are qualities that draw readers in and make them root for these characters. Whether it's Nadia's pursuit of justice or Casey's fight to survive in a harsh environment, both women show us what it means to be truly strong.

Overall, the comparison between Nadia Stafford and Casey Duncan highlights the common themes of strength, redemption, and the power of the human spirit that are present in both stories.

I had caught up with one of her other series, and I was truly missing reading this author. So, I decided to give this one a try.

A few years ago, I had attempted it, but it didn't manage to catch my interest. However, this time, I persisted, eager to see if it would improve.

Thankfully, it did get better to some extent. But still, it wasn't that great. In the end, it was just okay. There was a significant amount of the same actions being repeated, which made the story feel a bit dragged out. It was longer than it really needed to be.

I did like the heroine and the side complex characters. They added some depth to the story. But unfortunately, it was the plot that was rather boring.

Despite this, I might give the next one a chance since it has a better rating. Maybe it will offer a more engaging and exciting reading experience.

Slow moving and I felt stretched way longer than needed. The process seemed to drag on and on, making me feel rather impatient. It was as if time had come to a near standstill.

I was longing for something to happen to break the monotony. And finally, at the very end, the most exciting thing occurred. It was like a burst of energy that suddenly rejuvenated me.

The anticipation had been building up throughout the slow-moving experience, and when that exciting moment arrived, it was truly a relief and a source of great joy. It made all the previous sluggishness worthwhile.

I will always remember that moment when the excitement finally came after such a long period of waiting. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best things come after enduring a bit of slowness and patience.