Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Somebody Worth Killing by Jessica Payne Narrator: Patti Murin
Published by Berkley, Penguin Audio on June 16, 2026
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 304
Length: 10 hours, 14 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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Nadia Davis is living the dream as a successful working mom with a career she loves, two adorable little girls, and a devoted husband who has no idea that she’s secretly a hired assassin and psychopath who kills certified bad guys. So when Nadia finds out she’s been “mommy tracked” by her assassin’s agency and is no longer getting the bigger, more exciting jobs, she demands an important mark…somebody worth killing.
But it turns out that big kill is the last person she expects—her husband. How is the sweet, kind, teller-of-dad jokes she’s promised her life to an evil villain who needs exterminating? Has their whole life together been a lie? Now Nadia must choose between the two things she loves most in life, the career that keeps her sane or the family she thought she knew.
Books about assassins can be interesting especially when they go after bad guys. There are some who know all about their target, the mission and why they need to die. Then there are those who know nothing except who to kill.
Nadia has been an assassin most of her life. She also happens to be a wife and a mother to two young girls. She doesn’t want to know any of her targets as long as they are bad guys. Then she is ok with her job. She knows she has a need to kill so this is how she satisfies it.
She’s afraid she is being mommy-tracked and so requests Somebody Worth Killing. The target ends up being her husband. She originally wanted him because he and the girls made her seem normal. But she realizes now that maybe she does have feelings and does love them.
She realizes she doesn’t understand why and that maybe her husband isn’t who she thinks he is. She has a sort of assassin friend Ian who helped train her and helps her to be able to find out more.
Talk about a crazy, weird story. I’m not sure I like the characters. It’s an odd journey. The ending is mostly clear but I would love to talk with someone else who has read this.
Narration:
Patti Murin is a narrator I have heard many times. I enjoy her performances and character voices. She puts the emotion into the tones. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed..
Listen to a clip: HERE
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 26-Audio
- 26-COYER
This sounds like it might make a good movie. I would read it if I had more time, I’m curious now how you felt about the characters. Awesome review!
I wasn’t sure I liked the characters. It was a very strange book. But since I like variety and not the same old plot it was good for me.
I keep seeing this everywhere. You’ve made me more curious. Excellent review, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta. It’s a very odd book but I like different.
I did a spotlight on this one, but couldn’t fit it in. It does have appeal with the whole double life going on.
yes it is unusual which means I liked it as not the same as everything else I read.
I’m listening to this one right now. I’m enjoying it so far, but will come back so we can discuss! 🙂
I look forward to your thoughts!
This ended up being a disappointment to me. Rated it two stars. I just posted my review on Goodreads. Not sure I’ll post on the blog. The book despite being 304 pages felt so much longer. The ending was unsatisfying and it seemed like they’re setting up for a sequel. Second disappointing read I’ve had. I need to read something really good.
I’m sorry you didn’t like it. It was weird and I got tired of her thinking how she was good at what she did. The whole thing was odd. But it’s a unique story.
Sounds like a weird one for sure, but good. I could see this being a movie or a limited series.
yes there is something transient about it. And weird.
Great review! Especially as I initially thought ooo… what a lovely unusual read! But then you mentioned you weren’t all that keen on the characters… I’m a bit old-fashioned in my reading tastes – I don’t enjoy spending anything up to 10-15 hours of my time alongside someone or several someones I don’t like all that much. So I think I’ll leave this one, alone.
Thanks. It a weird book. Unique but not for everyone.
I am not sure what to think
This one is pretty bizarre.
Probably not my type of books, so I wont’ be able to come back and discuss it with you. I do know sometimes needing to talk to someone else about a favorite book and not finding anyone, so I hope you do soon!
Thanks Lisa.