Review: The Killing Kind by Chris Holm

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: The Killing Kind by Chris HolmThe Killing Kind by Chris Holm
Also by this author: Red Right Hand, Child Zero
Published by Mulholland Books on September 15, 2015
Genres: Crime Fiction
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Michael Hendricks, a covert operative for the Army, was presumed dead following a mission in Afghanistan.  His former fiance and those close to him went on with their lives.  Except, Hendricks didn't die. Instead, he now has a unique profession: a hitman that takes out other hitmen.  For a lofty fee, he'll protect his clients from those paid to kill them.  It's a means for Hendricks to get revenge and redemption for the circumstances that tore his life away from him.  Except, there is a price to pay.  When the Council, an organization that regulates mob activities, learns of Hendricks' activity, he becomes a walking target.  This time, it hits a little close to home, friends and loved ones he disappeared to protect are now in harm's way.

What do you get when you put 2,000 balloons, two hit-men, and a mob target in one room? A scene that will have readers both laughing at the imagery and on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the end result.

Chris Holm has once again outdone himself with The Killing Kind.  The premise alone sounds intriguing, right? Yet when you add the well-developed characters, with fully detailed backstories, it’s difficult to not become engrossed and invested.  Michael Hendricks is the perfect example of an anti-hero.  He takes advantage of those in harms way (granted, they aren’t the cream of the crop as far as morals go) and charges them an exorbitant fee to save their lives.  Eh, it pays the bills and gives Hendricks a mechanism for all of his anger.  You would think he would be a killer you would love to hate, yet it’s impossible to not like him, despite all of his…issues. Though he’s a brutal killer, he has a heart, a soul, and is doing what he thinks is best.  Sure, he’s saving the life of a person who has probably done some pretty horrendous things, yet those ordering the hits have done far worse.

Additionally, Holm creates a cast of characters that will most certainly evoke strong emotions from readers. As readers of this novel, we’re constantly asked to question what is right and wrong, to weigh morality against what is for the greater good. In the end, however, Hendricks is quick to prove that karma…well it’s a real bitch.  Those less than savory members of society get their just desserts, sometimes in the most cruel and disturbing of ways.

What makes this book stand out to me? Though my expectations were met, nay exceeded, I still felt a loss when I turned the final pages. The ending was so tremendous and so unexpected that I’m aching for more. It is my hope that the final scenes are in indication that there may be more to come. I certainly hope so, for I’m absolutely, 100% hooked.  Highly, highly recommended.

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