Publishers Weekly
04/24/2023
CIA assassin Helen Warwick’s hopes to ease into retirement are dashed when she’s pulled back into the business in this diverting if uneven thriller from Dees (Beyond the Limit). One night, four assassins attack Helen out of the blue. She kills three of them, but one escapes, leaving her to wonder who ordered the hit and why. Meanwhile, two serial killers seem to be prowling the D.C. streets—one kills his victims and poses their corpses in scenes that mimic famous works of art, another finds ingenious ways to frame innocent people for his kills. Helen gets roped into both investigations and fears they may have connections with enemies she made during her time with the CIA. Helen is an endearing heroine, always reminding those around her that she shouldn’t be doing any of this at age 55, but the adventure she’s thrown into is cluttered and overstuffed. Dees manages a final note that’s satisfying enough on its own but fails to bring the plot’s many threads to graceful resolution. This will mainly appeal to readers who like their thrillers light and don’t mind a little mess. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (June)
From the Publisher
Praise for Second Shot
“CIA assassin Helen Warwick’s hopes to ease into retirement are dashed when she’s pulled back into the business . . . This will mainly appeal to readers who like their thrillers light.” —Publishers Weekly
“Sharp as an assassin’s bullet, Second Shot is a must-read for every spy novel enthusiast out there!” —Lisa Jackson, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
“A pitch-perfect adventure, filled with nuance and dire exploits. Take a breath, hang on, and enjoy the ride with this smart and clever heroine.” —Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author
“A breathless thrill ride from the explosive opening scene, Second Shot delivers both high action and a twisted murder mystery. Helen Warwick is a refreshingly mature heroine who uses her extensive experience and sharp wits to turn the tables on all who come gunning for her. Definitely a series to watch!” —Sara Driscoll, author of the FBI K-9s and NYPD Negotiators series
“[A] rollicking mystery thriller . . . Dees's background (intelligence work and detainment by both the KGB and East German police during her military career) and the nuanced writing of Second Shot suggests more exciting adventures to come.” —Shelf Awareness
“You won’t want to stop reading Second Shot once you start. It’s heart-stopping, ironic, humorous, and entirely believable . . . I can’t wait for the next Helen Warwick thriller.” —Criminal Element
“What a fabulous start to a new series! Cindy Dees has created an exciting action-packed and suspenseful thriller with a more mature main character. This fantastic novel is shocking, emotionally-charged, and pulse-pounding. Readers who enjoy action thrillers and espionage thrillers will likely enjoy this book.” —Mystery & Suspense Magazine
“Cindy Dees has crafted a highly entertaining tale that’s part espionage thriller and part murder mystery with an incredibly deadly quinquagenarian woman at the center of it all. Second Shot is fascinating and irresistible!” —Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books
“Second Shot is full of exciting and dangerous twists and turns . . . Such a fun read! Cindy Dees has a clear and pleasing writing style. This gets my vote for most entertaining thriller of the year. If you liked Deanna Raybourn’s Killers of a Certain Age, you’ll love this one.” —Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine
