A Hired Kill by Steven Konkoly kicks off with an explosive raid and dives straight into a high-stakes chase filled with cartel assassins and government cover-ups. The premise is strong, and there are some great action scenes that really deliver.

However, I found myself struggling to keep track of all the characters and the endless string of acronyms. There were just too many names and agencies flying around; it got overwhelming and pulled me out of the story more than once. The middle section dragged a bit, and I wished some of the characters had more depth, especially the ones on Mann’s team.

Still, Konkoly knows how to build tension and keep the stakes high. If you’re a fan of complex thrillers with military and government angles (and don’t mind flipping back a few pages to remember who’s who) this one might be right up your alley.

Thank you to Steven Konkoly, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5)

Author: Steven Konkoly

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publication Date: May 27, 2025