A Hired Kill by Steven Konkoly
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If you thought A Clean Kill (CE’s review) was a thrill ride, brace yourself for Steven Konkoly’s gripping sequel, A Hired Kill. This book is a masterclass in high-stakes suspense, combining relentless action, a terrifying conspiracy, and complex characters to create a story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. FBI special agent Garrett Mann returns, but this time, the stakes are even higher as he finds himself ensnared in a web of cartel violence, serial murder, and government corruption.
The story begins with an explosive raid on an underground facility in New Mexico. Mann’s team uncovers a chilling revelation: the site was a training ground for cartel sicarios, hundreds of whom have vanished into the United States with an unknown mission. Just as the Bureau begins to grasp the scale of the threat, a second raid goes catastrophically wrong, propelling Mann into the hunt for a fugitive with ties to a larger, more insidious conspiracy.
What sets A Hired Kill apart is its relentless pacing and layered narrative. Konkoly doesn’t let up for a moment, keeping readers on edge as Mann navigates a labyrinth of danger and deception. The stakes feel incredibly real—each decision, each confrontation carries weight, and the fallout is often brutal. The plot is razor-sharp, filled with twists and turns that make it impossible to predict what’s coming next.
At the heart of the story is Garrett Mann, a protagonist who embodies both grit and vulnerability. Mann’s pursuit of justice is unwavering, but the toll of his mission is palpable. His growing distrust of those around him, even within his own agency, adds a layer of psychological tension that makes the story all the more compelling. Konkoly skillfully balances the larger-than-life action with Mann’s personal struggles, creating a character who feels both heroic and human.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with each member of Mann’s team bringing unique skills and personalities to the table. The antagonist, a chilling and enigmatic serial killer, is a standout, his motives and connections deepening the sense of dread as the story unfolds. The killer’s ties to powerful government officials add another layer of complexity, blurring the line between ally and enemy and raising questions about how far those in power will go to protect their secrets.
Konkoly’s attention to detail shines throughout the book, from the tactical realism of the FBI operations to the chilling portrayal of the cartel’s reach. The settings are vividly rendered, transporting readers from the arid deserts of New Mexico to the shadowy corridors of power. The writing is crisp and cinematic, making it easy to visualize the action and feel the tension in every scene.
Why You Should Read This Book:
A Hired Kill is a must-read for fans of edge-of-your-seat thrillers with complex plots and compelling characters. If you’re a fan of high-stakes action, intricate conspiracies, and protagonists who are as tough as they are relatable, this book is for you. Konkoly expertly weaves together elements of crime, suspense, and political intrigue, delivering a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is exhilarating.
Order Yours Today:
Steven Konkoly proves once again why he’s a master of the thriller genre with A Hired Kill*. With its gripping plot, explosive action, and richly developed characters, this book is impossible to put down. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning fan, this sequel will leave you eagerly anticipating what’s next for Garrett Mann.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing Curating Edits with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.