Search - Exit Strategy (Nadia Stafford, Bk 1)

I really enjoyed this story! A change of pace from my usual. I enjoy Ms. Armstrong's writing and enjoyed this venture into the "thriller" category.
I can recommend this one for people who like a little "who done it", twists, and don't need sex.
Looking forward to reading the next one!

I liked this book because of the smart heroine. Nadia Stafford has to be, she's a hitman. People just don't last long in that business without brains. Either you get caught or you get killed. Nadia, or "Dee" (as she is called by other assassins who don't know her real name), was once a cop, born into a family of cops. After a traumatic childhood event, all it took for Nadia to take things into her own hands was one criminal scumbag who had hurt a young girl. Clearly she has issues brimming under the surface, but it may be her passion that makes her a good hitman. In Exit Strategy, she agrees to join a team of other hitmen who are going after one of their own. A professional killer has turned into a serial killer, and it has caused a shakedown from the law against the whole profession. This is NOT a paranormal, even though Kelley Armstrong is well known for her paranormal series, the Women of the Otherworld. Being a hitman was REALLY interesting to read about, especially things like trying to retire or having a family. No one trusts anyone, everyone has a hidden real identity, everyone's motives are suspect.. most people never retire: they die. And almost everyone in this book is the strong silent type. It's interesting how subtle the communication is between assassins. Facial expressions and head movements mean more than words. Actions speak loudest. I found the writing which moves between Nadia and the killer and his victims, very powerful. There is also there is a very subtle hint of a romance (I am thinking love triangle) in this book. It is barely even there, it's all in the silent communication. That's my take. I really want to know what happens in book 2. An interesting thriller.

Very good book! Starts a little slow but if you just stick with it past the first 50 pages you will be well rewarded!

Although it starts out slow, it is very interesting to learn what and how a hired killer thinks and feels.

Interesting departure from her other books. I worked my way through it. Good. Not a fast read or pace, but that may still be ok. I am not quite sure what I think but I'll pick up book 2 and see what happens! Note, however, if you come into this series thinking it will be like her others you may end up disappointed (or perhaps pleasantly surprised)!

Add-on: Just a note that after a few days I am still thinking about this book and wondering what will happen to Nadia and Jack...I think I may be hooked. Liking it. Will recommend!

This book was great. It had lots of action and kept me interested from begining to end. The caricters were well developed and fasinaiting. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.