Rating: 5⭐️
Naomi Kuttner’s Retired Assassin Guide series is close to perfection and her latest release is an excellent example why I think this series is so well written and the characters just continue to develop so fabulously , crafted way past my expectations.
The Retired Assassin’s Guide To Amateur Theatrics sees Dante trying to develop a relationship with Te Kohe’s vet, Andrea. However, Dante has no idea what that means or how to emotionally establish a real connection to someone in this manner. Basically, it’s outside his wheelhouse mentally and emotionally such as they are.
And his two friends, gardenerCharlie who interacts with ghosts and Eleanor the semi retired international thief, hilariously decide to assist him. It ends up with Dante and Charlie, together with the vet, in the local amateur theatre group putting on the Shakespeare play MacBeth. Deadly shenanigans ensue. Because of course they do! It’s MacBeth, the cursed play. And here it also comes with a haunted theater, a murderous past history, and crimes that refuse to stay buried.
Great times!
This is so much fun. Intelligent plots (multiple complex storylines), really fascinating behind the scenes theater elements, many fantastic Shakespeare quotes and moments, and, the best, a total twist on a villainous character I didn’t see coming. I really loved it.
Now, something about the series and Dante’s character that I’m a sucker for in every book. And, btw, the author lays in just the right amount of this most delicious element. It’s Dante’s AA meetings and all the other members in attendance.
What is the AA you ask? Assassin Anonymous. Think AA but substitute assassin for alcohol. Their discussion group is something I live for. They all have the same ,uh, unique outlook on things. And the group leader tries to gently steer them towards a more positive, less deadly solution in each meeting. But it often doesn’t work out that way. Hilariously. I’m often laughing so loudly that even my dog is giving me looks.
And it leaves Dante trying to move forward with his retirement and seeking to understand what that means for him , as he adjusts to something called emotions, relationships, a home, friends, and even a cat.
I’ll be here for him, his development , and his growing group of people every step of the way.
It’s absolutely fabulous. Highly recommended. Grab the series up and start reading it at the beginning of Dante’s journey.
Retired Assassin’s Guide (4 book series to date)
The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Country Gardening #1
The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting #2
The Retired Assassin’s Guide To Amateur Theatrics #3
The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Birdwatching #4 – December 8,2027
Buy link
Book 3 of 4: Retired Assassin’s Guide
Blurb
“By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes”
It’s theatre season in Te Kohe, and the director has decided to liven things up with a production of Macbeth.
Except… something sinister happened when this play was performed twenty years ago, and the ghosts of past murders are set to make a reappearance.
As Dante and his friends are about to find out, there’s no business like show business…
Inkblot Publishing Ltd
Publication date
October 20, 2026
Language
English
Print length
518 pages
Book 3 of 4
