Three Hitmen and a Baby

Assassins Anonymous #3

by Rob Hart

Welcome back to Assassins Anonymous, where family is everything and danger lurks around every corner.

Assassins Anonymous isn't just a weekly recovery meeting for reformed killers—it's also a family.  

When Valencia receives troubling news that her brother has gone missing, she wants rush off to LA to find him. But she can’t bring her baby girl, Lucia.  Enter the other members of Assassins Anonymous—Mark, Astrid, and Booker, who offer to watch the toddler while she's gone. After all, they're three of the deadliest, most highly skilled people on the planet; what could go wrong?  

Turns out, a lot. Shortly after Valencia leaves, Mark is summoned to the lair of Zmeya, a Russian mob boss calling in a deadly favor—she wants him to kill Astrid, his protege and friend. Mark refuses, but Zmeya reveals that she knows the identity of Mark’s ex-girlfriend . . . and his son. Either Astrid goes, or they do.  

Meanwhile, Lucia spikes a dangerously high fever, and when Booker and Astrid take her to urgent care, they realize too late, that their fabricated identities are a real liability. Also, they don't know Valencia’s last name, let alone Lucia's. They can hardly blame the staff for calling the NYPD.  

Suddenly the splintered group is on the run from both the Russian mob and the police, dodging bad guys and do-gooders while trying to find refuge in a city full of surveillance cameras—all without killing anyone. That is, until Zmeya captures Sara and Bennett, and Mark is ready to throw his sobriety out the window.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Humor, Audiobook, Crime

304 pages, Hardcover

First published June 16, 2026

About the author

Rob Hart is the author of the USA TODAY bestseller ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS. He also wrote THE PARADOX HOTEL, which was nominated for. Lambda Literary Award, as well as THE WAREHOUSE, which has been sold in more than 20 countries. He also wrote the Ash McKenna crime series, the short story collection TAKE-OUT, the novella SCOTT FREE with James Patterson, and, with Alex Segura, the comic book BLOOD OATH and the novel DARK SPACE.

His short stories have been published widely, including “Due on Batuu,” set in the Star Wars universe, which appeared in FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and "Take-Out," which appeared in BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES 2018.

He’s worked as a political reporter, the communications director for a politician, and a commissioner for the city of New York. He is the former publisher at MysteriousPress.com and class director at LitReactor. He lives in Jersey City.

Reviews

[Youssra (semi ia- shelving books don't mind me)]

MARK IS BACK LET'S GOOOOOO!!
Sat here till release day 🧘‍♀️

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this suspense series with its unique concept: professional assassins who want to give up that life and enter an AA-type program. It has drama and excitement and lots of heart. I highly recommend the series for some entertaining summer reading but do start with book #1, Assassins Anonymous, for the full character and plot development.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long live Kitty Smalls!

[Jessica ❥˚♑︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⋆˙⟡ ── ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ 5★

ⓘ 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.

This was so good! I read this in one sitting. A quick, easy, action-packed, high stakes, suspenseful, thriller that keeps you on your toes. I didn’t realize this was the third book in a series, but you really don’t even need to read the first two to understand the characters or the story.

The concept of a group of reformed assassins in an “alcoholic’s anonymous” type setting is actually funny, but it’s also a nice way of exploring how people aren’t just who they appear to be on the surface. While I don’t know the growth these characters have gone through since the beginning of the series, it’s not hard to see that they have. The POV ping pongs between two of the characters (Astrid and Mark), but it’s not hard to keep up with at all. In fact, it keeps you engaged to the story as a whole.

[Brittany S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read Completed 6/16/26 | 3 stars | Book #128 of 2026

Well, this just wasn't very thrilling for me. It almost felt like two different books, the first half being about babysitting and running from the police, and the second half digging into a deeper plot, but they really don't have anything to do with each other. The sequels in this series really haven't had the charm that the first book did, and I almost wish each book was about a different character here.

I'm honestly getting a little tired of these stories and this plot because it's really not going anywhere. For as high stakes as this was, I wasn't getting a lot of emotional investment about it. We really did not need Astrid's POV in here whatsoever and it was boring. I would have rather heard from Booker than these two again because they're not deep enough to carry these books anymore.

[Sheryle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very fast paced third entry in the Assassins Anonymous series almost seems to be two stories in one book. The first story, which deals with the baby, is rather slapstick and, honestly, I think is only there because of the title and as filler. The second story, having to do with the deal Mark made in a previous book, is much more interesting and moves the group’s story forward nicely. Because the author is extremely talented at giving the reader both brief yet thorough background information, this book can also be considered a standalone. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three of the Assassins Anonymous series and I love these books. They are so funny. This time our assassins are tasked with babysitting Valencia’s toddler for the weekend. What could go possibly wrong? As usual, someone is out to kill someone and Mark and the gang need to deal with it without killing anybody. These books are entertaining and fun to read. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advance copy.

[Hobart · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader. If you like this post, you might like others on that site. Consider checking it out!
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What's Three Hitmen and a Baby About?
After the events of The Medusa Protocol, things have really settled down for the members of the recovery group. Up until the events of this novel, of course. Valencia gets word of some family trouble in California, and she needs to go help—but she can't take her three-year-old with her. So Mark, Booker, and Astrid, her "uncles" (yes, even Astrid—Lucia's not so great with gender concepts), volunteer to watch her. How hard could it be?

Spoken like people who haven't spent that much time on their own with a toddler. Incidentally, 12-Step rules or not. If you're going to watch someone's child for a few days—you'd better know their last name. Our trio learns that the hard way. I'll leave it at that.

At the same time, one debt that Mark owes a Russian mobster becomes due. They (on behalf of someone else) want Astrid dead. And who better to take care of that than her friend, Mark. They don't care that Mark isn't killing anymore, and they'd care even less to learn that Mark was her sponsor. And you don't have to be a Friend of Bill to know that the relationship between sponsor and sponsee isn't supposed to be ended with a murder. Then again, the mobster knows about Mark's ex- and their child. So, he does have two compelling reasons to throw his sobriety out the window.

All in all, these three (ex-)hitman have quite the struggle.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?
I can't imagine stopping this series now. When the publicist emailed me about the book, I jumped on it without thinking.

I kept going because the story wouldn't let me go. We get the comedy of these (former) professional killers being utterly inept when it comes to taking care of a toddler. And then this between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place that Mark finds himself in.

What's the Underlying Theme?
This book is about a couple of things at the core—there's the found-family connection between the members of this group—and a couple of other people they've collectively added along the way. But that's something that's been part of this series from the beginning (and will almost certainly continue to be).

The other core of this book is making amends. Step 9 of Assassin's Anonymous—like all 12-Step Programs—is making amends. Now, it's impossible to make amends to those they've killed. So they've each had to come up with ways to do that. Sometimes, it's service. Sometimes, it's talking to loved ones of the victim.

Not only do we see some attempts at amends to victims. We also see the toll that not being able to make them takes on members of the group. The nightmares, the way they're haunted not by their past sins but their inability to do anything to ameliorate the situation or amend for them.

So, what did I think about Three Hitmen and a Baby?
I had a blast with this—and I'm having a hard time coming up with new things to say about this series (seriously, this would've been posted a week ago otherwise).

I do think this is slightly more successful than The Medusa Protocol overall, which is not to cast aspersions on book two. There's less globe-trotting in this book than in either previous book, but that doesn't keep the cast from being international. It just ramps up the pacing. This all happens in a much more contained period of time, keeping the pressure on throughout. There's little downtime or breathing room (and most of that involves entertaining a three-year-old).

Hart really has the balancing act between light-hearted moments, soul-searing introspection/disclosure, and action down pat. The jokes about John Wick and other action films keep coming and haven't lost their punch. There's a great scene where Mark and Booker talk about their preferred entertainment and critique action tropes that I've read at least three times, just to watch Hart fill out these characters a bit (particularly Booker, we know Mark well enough now).

The way this one resolved was rewarding both plot-wise and character-wise, and did set up book four in a pretty solid manner, too.

This one really shouldn't be missed, my friends/readers/utter strangers who happen to see this.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

[Tammy - Books, Bones & Buffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The nitty-gritty: Mark, Astrid and the gang return in the third installment of Rob Hart's high octane Assassins Anonymous series. Get ready for a wild ride!

Once again, Rob Hart hits it out of the park with this third installment of his riotously fun, high stakes spy thriller series. I always know I’m in for a good time when I start one of these books, and Three Hitmen and a Baby was no exception. I’ll try to make this as spoiler free as possible, although I might have to mention a few events from the previous books. As you can tell by the title, this installment features Valencia’s baby Lucia—who isn’t really a baby anymore—and Hart does a brilliant job of using her to create some very funny situations.

The story picks up three years after the ending of The Medusa Protocol. The members of Assassins Anonymous—Mark, Astrid, Booker, and Valencia, all former assassins, CIA operatives and spies, who have decided to leave their old lives behind and stop killing—are gathering for their weekly AA meeting in the very secure basement of the Church of St. Jude in Chelsea, New York. Everything seems to be status quo, until Valencia finds out that her brother is in trouble. She has no choice but to help him, and so she decides to leave little three-year-old Lucia in the capable hands of her friends for a few days. 

At the same time, Mark gets a disturbing text from an old adversary and must drop everything to meet with her. This leaves Astrid and Booker to watch over Lucia, who suddenly comes down with a high fever. The two panic and take her to urgent care, but a series of misunderstandings and bumbling explanations put them in hot water—the hospital staff thinks Lucia has been kidnapped—and from there, Astrid and Booker must figure out how to evade the police and keep Lucia safe. Not to mention the fact that Valencia will kill them if anything happens to her.

That’s the set-up in a nutshell, and the rest of the story is full of hijinks, evading the police, near misses and very dangerous situations. It’s worth mentioning that although the characters have committed to turning their lives around, each one is still a wanted man or woman, which is why many of them use fake names and try to stay under the radar as much as possible. Mark in particular was one of the most dangerous assassins in the world when he was working for the Agency. Known as the Pale Horse, he not only has a reputation as a brutal killer, but he’s sort of famous for it in certain circles. Getting caught by one of the many organizations who are after them (including a group of deadly Russian mobsters) could be devastating for their loved ones, who end up being used as bargaining chips in the story.

If you love tech toys and spy gear, you’ll have a blast with this series. Mark has not only rigged the church basement with a high tech security system, but he has a safe house that no one knows about but him. You might wonder how a group of ex-assassins, who still find themselves in dangerous situations, manage to avoid killing but are still able to best the bad guys. Hart comes up with some awesome scenarios that explain just this, including a stash of non lethal but very effective weapons that they have at their disposal. One of my favorite parts of the story is when the gang is suiting up for a showdown and choosing their weapons, arguing over who gets to the use the large target net gun or the flash-bang grenades, lol.

One of the series’ strongest elements is the humor. Hart perfectly melds life-and-death situations with laugh-out-loud dialog, striking the perfect balance and creating a multilayered story that was not only entertaining but emotionally satisfying as well. Each character has a nicely developed backstory, what made them become assassins in the first place and what happened to change that—and if you read the first two books you’ll understand their motivations—and this makes Hart’s assassins extremely relatable and sympathetic. Mark has killed hundreds (if not thousands) of people, and yet the reader is rooting for him to make it out alive.

If you haven’t started this series, please go back and read Assassins Anonymous and The Medusa Protocol before you pick up Three Hitmen and a Baby, although Hart does include some brief sections that will catch up new readers. If I have any complaints about this book, it’s that I didn’t think these recaps were necessary. I understand that the publisher is trying to hook new readers by making book three easy to jump into, but rehashing the “twelve steps” of AA and revisiting Astrid’s emotional journey, which was the focus of The Medusa Protocol, made me roll my eyes. You will miss so much by starting this book first, trust me.

The final showdown is tense and thrilling, and both Mark and Astid have a couple of heartbreaking decisions to make at the end. It seems that Hart wrapped everything up—I absolutely loved the way Three Hitmen and a Baby ended! However, I can’t help but think there’s also a bit of a possible lead-in to the next book, if indeed the author has one planned. I swear I’ll never get tired of these characters and their crazy lives, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more.

Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an advance copy for the latest entry in this popular series about a group of professional assassins trying to give up the life, to care for others the way they used to eliminate people, and those outside forces that keep trying to bring them back to their old life.

Action heroes have a lot of tropes, tropes that never really are deviated from. They are stoic, usually to hide uncertain accents. They are usually men, though the fairer sex is starting to make some strong inroads. They either don't work, are retired, or or close to retiring, though one action hero was a chef. Violence is always present, in their past, their future, and their present. A few try to renounce their actions, but few work on it as hard as the characters in this book. And few have to put up with so many people trying to bring them back to the world they were so good at. Three Hitmen and a Baby by Rob Hart is the third book in the Assassins Anonymous series, about a group with a particular set of skills trying to make a better future for themselves, even as outside forces and good old American health care make this extremely difficult.

Mark was once one of the preeminent killers on the planet, a man whose name was used by other killers to scare each other. Now Mark is working to make restitution, mostly to himself, and help others. Mark runs the support group Assassins Anonymous, where killers can come, not be judged and helped to put away the sword, drink coffee and work on themselves. Astrid, a killer probably better than Mark, but you know sexism, Booker, a basher Natalia are part of the support group, a family who looks out for each other. Natalia has some business on the West coast, a brother in trouble but has a daughter Lucia, who she can't leave behind. The others offer to watch Lucia, thinking what is the worse that could happen. Lucia gets sick, and a hospital visit, with a child of unknown origin and dodgy id's soon puts them in the sights of law enforcement. At the same time Mark is approached by Russian gangsters with a simple demand. Put Astrid down, or the family he left behind will be eliminated. Pursued both forces on both sides, the group tries their best to live up to their ideals, but the specter of violence hangs over them, and that specter is getting real close.

I really love this series, and much of it is because Rob Hart is a very gifted writer. Hart can set a scene, drop in action from the best of the eighties, and break your heart all in the same paragraph. Hart has a very good grasp of these characters, what they are capable of, and what lengths they will go to protect each other. More importantly what they won't do. It's easy to writer about violence, but to write about the effect on the person, the affect on the community of people around that person is hard. Hart does this so well, without giving up suspense, or narrative drive. One is forced to keep reading just to see what is coming, with a good balance of points of view, and different narratives.

A series that is easy to recommend. One that should be streaming by now. Good characters, a great idea, and a serious effort not to make things easy by blowing everything up. Hart has really mastered his own kind of thriller, and I can't wait for more.

[Peyton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Assassins Anonymous, where anyone is welcome as long as you have a desire to stop. Come for the therapy, stay for the camaraderie. In Rob Hart’s Three Hitmen and a Baby, we follow our group of reformed assassins trying to live day by day as their former life is following them around every corner and tries to grab them back in its clutches.

It’s been three years since the incidents of The Medusa Protocol. The group still meets weekly, and they share with each other with whatever is fogging their mind. When the group is tasked with watching Valencia’s child Lucia while she deals with family issues, what was supposed to be an easy task turns into a nightmare where their particular set of skills are their only hope in getting them out of this debacle. Meanwhile, Mark has to deal with someone from his former life cashing in on a deal made years ago. Will our group make it, or better yet, will they make it while their enemies remain alive?

Like the rest of the books in this series, it’s always fun to dive into the human condition at a philosophical and psychological level, and see how they’re coping with their addiction. Despite being out of the game, they still struggle with thoughts of their former life and if what they’re doing is enough, or even doing anything. While they use humor as a defense mechanism, which leads to some great banter, they’re trying their best to keep their walls up, otherwise it’ll come crashing down. The harder they try, the more they need each other.

What helps is that everyone has made Lucia the center of their world. While she is only three, she has them wrapped around their fingers, and they're willing to protect her, no matter the costs. Also, Lucia's love for Bluey, and later Mark's, was appreciated, considering that a children's television show has some big life themes being explained and experienced by cartoon Australian dogs. It may be a show for children, but everyone, regardless of age, can learn the life lessons they impart.

In this story, it’s amazing to see how their problems could have been easily remedied, which is pointed out by several other characters later. It's also interesting to see how much their assassin life is still a part of them. They can leave that lifestyle behind, but it is just as much a part of them as anything else. The way they dissect everything going on around them and plan for future scenarios is fun to read. Everything is so fast paced for them that sometimes, when there is nothing happening, their intrusive thoughts come back to haunt them.

While the events at the end may be a bit emotional, I still don’t think that this group will be deterred by it. If anything, they’ll keep going to their meetings, and wonder what happens next. To quote Dominic Toretto from the Fast and Furious franchise, "You don't turn your back on family, even when they do." I like to think that Mark would appreciate this quote, considering he likes watching movies.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from Rob Hart and Putnam Books via NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My intentions are to write feedback that reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s purpose.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Hit Men And A Baby is the third book in the assassins anonymous thriller series by Rob Hart. Mark, Booker and Astrid all agree to share babysitting duties with little Lucia while Valencia goes back to California to deal with family issues. The night they leave Mark leaves Booker and Astrid in his apartment as he says he has a previous engagement but refuses to say what that is. What it is is a Russian terrorist tells him that she’s calling in her favor that he owes her and all he has to do is kill Astrid. he immediately lets her know that’s not happening and this is what she says either they go or your son and his mom does. while doing that Booker and Astrid are trying to get medical attention for little Lucia, who woke up with a raging fever and throwing up. everything seems like it’s going to plan until they need her last name. their association is through HMA, where they don’t share last names in the names they do give each other may not even be the real names. This causes the nurse to be suspicious she calls the security guard and then puts a call into the police. This is why Booker Astrid and Lucia are covertly trying to make it to Booker‘s house on Staten Island. Mark sent either Sarah or Kayla because both names were used, but in the book I believe it’s Sarah though and Mark son Benton to his cabin to keep them safe unfortunately they’re not the only ones going there. when Astrid finally learns who beat Mark up she decides to slip away to deal with these people herself the last thing she wants is for them to be hurt the way Chi-Chi was something she cannot forgive herself for. The only thing is when Valencia finds out what is happening she rings the alarm bell and everyone sends on New York there’s a lot that happens but eventually they get a game plan and hope to get out of this with minimal violence and hopefully no debts. I have read all three of the assassins anonymous action thrillers in each book is either better or just as good as the last one I really root for these characters who have done the ugliest thing a human can do to another but wants to be different and strive for that no matter what the cost and having them have to tend to a toddler rob heart style was just genius when the series started and Valencia was pregnant I had hoped we would have a three men and a baby story and now we do and I loved every minute of it. what I didn’t love is how marks baby mama Sarah and or Kayla was so crappy to him I get it he killed her brother but there’s reasons for that and then to turn her back on him not because of something he did to her but what his job was and what he did to others.she rathers Brinton somehow have no father as opposed to telling him Mark’s his father it’s just ridiculous because when kids grow up without a parent something to create a fanciful relationship with the missing parent. and will always for the rest of their life wonder “what if they had been with me.“ not to mention they will harbor ill feelings once they learn the parent that was there stop them from having a relationship.#NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer,#MyHonestReview,

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark began the meeting by reciting the creed and Astrid read the twelve steps. Valencia, with her little daughter Lucia, came in late and sat in the circle after parking Lucia on the sofa with a Bluey episode.
When Mark concluded his opening remarks and asked for discussion, Valencia spoke up. She was having a hard time tracking her brother who lived in L.A., a long way from New York City. He seemed to have some dodgy friends who might be leading him into a gang, and Valencia was very worried for his safety. But there was no way she was going to drag her little child into her brother's mess.
Booker, Mark, and Astrid, came up with a solution-they were all seasoned assassins who had given up their jobs after turning their lives around and joining Assassins Anonymous. Valerie figured that she could find her brother in a few days-if she allowed her friends to babysit Lucia, who they all adored, they could help her while working on their amends to the people they harmed. Piece of cake!
Of course they forgot that the "anonymous" part of their relationship meant no last names or real personal knowledge. Valencia left Lucia with the other attendees, and after they successfully brought her to one of their fortified hiding places and fed her lots of pizza, she spiked a very high fever. Since none of them had any parenting skills or ideas of how to treat her, they headed to a close walk-in clinic. The nurse started asking easy questions like Lucia's last name, their relationship to the girl, and her medical history. They had no idea of the answers and had to make a run for it before Lucia was put into state custody, and suddenly their survival skills kicked in big time.
To make things worse, the Russians had it in for Mark and Astrid who blew up the Russian Mafia"s Coney Island restaurant, and they were out for revenge. While the assassins had taken a vow to no longer murder their enemies, they still could use non-lethal force in self-defense. And Mark, aka The Pale Horse, might have been the greatest hitman alive, but he was also a parent, though he'd never met his son. When the assassins find out that Mark's child is being held alongside his mother in a Russian trap, their new "sobriety" is challenged. Must they sacrifice their personal resolve to do better when faced with impossible circumstances, or is there another way to get the job done?
This is the third book in The Assassins Anonymous series, and it's just as good as the first two. Members of the group, skilled, seasoned killers, have made a pledge to turn their lives around after hitting rock bottom, and are determined to keep it. Unfortunately, they haven't been forgotten by the organizations that employed them or by enemies they've made along the way. There is visible growth surrounding the characters in the three books, and it will be interesting to see how Hart will document their further struggles. Down will come baby, cradle and all?

[Stacy DeBroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast forward three years from the last amazing outing for the Assassins Anonymous gang- former assassins who have all foresworn off further killing and have formed a recovery group to support this decision and to encourage making amends to the families of their victims. Much like Alcohols Anonymous, they have steps to their program, sponsors, and much to emotionally process. Their attempts to stay clear of killing often falls into direct conflict with violent people from their past out to get them.

Mark, the group’s leader after his sponsor Kenji killed and then sacrificed himself to save Mark’s life, has invested in a new secure group meeting space and works hard to hold this “family of choice” together and focused on staying free of killing. Mark, a renown assassin who operated under the code name Pale Horse and worked for a contract group known as the Agency that claimed (falsely it turns out) that their killings were picked for world good, has in turn sponsored another agency staffer Astrid into the group.

Valencia who opted to become a single Mom faces a crisis involving her younger brother in L.A. which her mom has begged to her to sort out. She decides reluctantly she’ll entrust her adorable toddler daughter Lucia to the care of Mark, Astrid and Booker. But immediately as Valencia takes off, two separate crises emerge. Lucia comes down with a fever and when Astrid and Booker take her in the middle of the night to an urgent care, the nurse rightly suspects they’re not her parents as they don’t even know her last name, birthdate or weight. They must escape to take Lucia into hiding and dread Valencia finding out.

Meanwhile, Mark gets called off in the late evening by a text message he refuses to share more about with Astrid and Booker. Turns out that Mark, to locate Astrid in a black ops prison and thus save her life in the group’s last outing, had committed a favor to an elderly Russian powerbroker, known as the Zmeya, and she orders him as that favor to assassinate Astrid. She also threatens Mark’s ex-finance and the son of his she had after splitting up with him and raising as a single mom.

The group has 48 hours to figure out how to keep everyone safe, and to do so without killing anyone, and the breathless action commences. The characters are all so flawed, so endearing and so striving in their efforts to be better people – and you cannot help but root wildly enthusiastically for them all. Plus, each outing reveals more layers of their past histories, their personalities and their vulnerabilities- all of which makes you feel even more connected to them.

Another magnificent Assassins Anonymous adventure!


Thanks to Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assassins in recovery are tumbling towards relapse

Four one=time killers have formed a local chapter of Assassins Anonymous, a recovery program for those who want to leave that life (and especially the killing) behind...which is far easier said than done. Mark aka the Pale Horse, Valencia, Booker and Astrid find themselves in a series of quandries. First Valencia hears that her younger brother out on the West Coast has fallen in with the wrong crowd and needs to head out to talk some sense into him...but what to do Lucia, her young daughter? The other three volunteer to take care of the girl...how hard can it be for just a couple of days? Valencia heads off, and things go south quickly. Lucia spikes a temperature and when Booker and Astrid bring her to a nearby clinic (Mark has been summoned to repay a favor to a Russian crime boss) and are suspected of trafficking the little girl. Being on the run from the police is bad enough, but since the favor Mark was asked to do was to kill Astrid (if he doesn't his ex-girlfriend and son will pay the price) the three of them are also trying to stay one step ahead of Russian thugs with orders to kill them, and do both without putting Lucia in danger (because if anything happens to her even if they survive the police and the Russians Valencia will rain hell down upon them). When all of the choices on the table are bad ones, and the only possible solutions seem to involve backsliding into killing again, what is a reformed killer to do?
Three Hitmen and a Baby, the third book in the Assassins Anonymous series, is like its predecessors a blend of humor and thriller. There are two stories unfolding, the comedic mismatch of three trained assassins and the care of a Bluey-watching pink-adoring girl and the life-and-death stakes confronting two of the four killers as the past reaches out and messes with their present. Lots of action, made all the more interesting as the group tries to achieve their desired results while using only non-lethal methods, and plenty of funny moments that stop just shy of farcical...think Jack Reacher or the Avengers mashed up with Three Men and a Baby. Themes of addiction, recovery, found family and redemption are woven into the tale, and while occasionally the jokes are a bit repetitive, but overall I found it a fun page-turner. Fans of the series will certainly enjoy this latest outing, and readers who enjoy Carl HIassen, Tim Dorsey and Deanna Raybourn are likely to find it of appeal as well. My thanks to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Nannette Demmler · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Putman Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.

This third addition to the Assassins Anonymous series was just as good as the other two. I really enjoyed this action packed series that also has a lot of heart. The characters have all seen and done some horrible things, but are determined to continue their recovery and sobriety and hopefully not have to kill anyone along the way. The found family aspect of this story is really what holds it all together, as well as the humor and witty banter among the group.

The premise of this book was great. How much trouble could a toddler be, when you are a reformed assassin? Apparently a lot. I loved little Lucia, and the interactions between her and the adults in her life were precious. Even when they were running for their lives, their first priority was that Lucia felt safe, and protected. There were many sweet and tender moments that were nice additions to the high octane pace of the rest of the story.

The story is told through both Mark and Astrid’s perspectives. Both of these characters are richly drawn and feel real. They struggle with maintaining their sobriety, ie not killing, especially Mark. With his family threatened, Mark really struggles to contain the urge to just kill them all, and he is certainly capable of it. Astrid’s struggle is slightly different, as she faces the possibility of death, which she considers might be the best thing for everyone.

There is a large cast of secondary characters that add a lot to the story. I especially liked the addition of Edith, who is a driver, but also a fledgling assassin. I hope we get to see a bit more of her. I am also hoping that Booker and even Valencia get a story of their own, I would love to learn more about them both.

The story is a super fast read. Most chapters end with a bang and make you want to keep reading. I loved all of the non lethal weapons that the gang come up with to take on the Russian mob. They take great pains to make sure that no one dies, even when the bad guys are doing their best to kill them.

A great addition to the series. You don’t necessarily need to read these books in order, but it does help to start at the beginning. You get a better understanding of the characters and of the group dynamic if you read the first book. I am looking forward to seeing where this series will go next, especially with that ending. Highly recommend if you like fast paced stories that are action packed but still have a lot of humor and great characters.

https://elnadesbookchat.com

[Tessa Talks Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three former assassins agree to babysit a toddler. What could go wrong?

Absolutely everything.

Three Hitmen and a Baby is the third book in the Assassins Anonymous series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Mark, Astrid, Booker, Valencia, and little Lucia make up one of the strangest found families I’ve ever encountered, and I mean that in the best possible way. They’re flawed. They’re dangerous. They’re trying very hard not to kill anyone. Add a sick toddler, the Russian mob, the NYPD, and several questionable childcare decisions, and you have a wonderfully chaotic time.

I love these books because they have the same over-the-top action-movie energy as John Wick, which the story actually mentions. That made me laugh because I had already been thinking it. The action is fast, the threats keep multiplying, and the characters are constantly forced to improvise their way out of situations that would send most people into hiding forever. It’s all so visual that I could practically hear the dramatic movie score playing in my head.

The premise is funny and fun, especially as three deadly assassins attempt to care for Lucia without basic information, such as her last name. Apparently, expertly handling weapons does not prepare a person for urgent-care paperwork. Who knew? The humor fades somewhat once the more serious drama takes over, but the emotional stakes give the story more depth than its delightfully ridiculous setup might suggest.

The found-family dynamic is what makes this series work for me. Mark, Astrid, Booker, and Valencia have all done terrible things, and none of them is pretending otherwise. Still, they care about one another, protect one another, and challenge each other to keep choosing a different life, even when returning to old habits would be much easier. Their version of love may involve fake identities, criminal organizations, and the occasional threat, but it is love.

I also adored the fast pace and dark wit threaded through the dialogue, action, and narrow escapes. This is the kind of book that demands popcorn. You sit down planning to read a few chapters, and suddenly you’re halfway through, fully invested in whether a group of retired killers can save their friends, protect a baby, and maintain their sobriety from murder.

Three Hitmen and a Baby delivers non-stop action, sharp humor, and unexpected depth. If you want pure entertainment with heart and hilarity, this series is absolutely unmissable.

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, come to Assassins Anonymous with Mark, Astrid, Booker, Valencia, and Lucia. The Medusa Protocol by Rob Hart is unique and filled with dark wit, action, and thrills. Valencia receives news that her brother has gone missing. She can’t take her young daughter, Lucia, with her. Mark, Astrid, and Booker agree to watch her while Valencia is in California. What could possibly go wrong?

Mark is summoned by a Russian mob boss, Zmeya, calling in a favor. She wants him to kill someone. This time it’s Astrid. When Mark refuses, Zmeya threatens his ex-girlfriend and son. Meanwhile, Lucia gets a fever and Astrid and Booker take her to a medical clinic. Unfortunately, they don’t know Lucia’s last name. Soon the New York police department is searching for them. While on the run, they try to find a safe place in a city full of surveillance cameras.

The story is told from the points of view of Mark and Astrid. There’s plenty of action in this dynamic story along with non-lethal and lethal weapons. Rob Hart creates dialogue that has readers laughing and engaging with the characters as they fly through the pages. However, it is also full of serious topics as the protagonists are tested. Can they hang onto their sobriety?

The author does a great job of building suspense, developing unique characters, and delivering satisfying plot twists with some surprises along the way. The pace is generally fast and readers are in for a wild ride. However, it seemed to drag in pacing a time or two. Actions have consequences, forgiveness, found family, unlikely friendships, making amends, trust, and more themes run through the story.

Overall, this is an entertaining, suspenseful, and over-the-top action-filled thriller with dark wit, a great sense of place, and a unique premise. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. This novel works as a standalone novel, but readers will get more background and backstories if they start with book one.

Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Rob Hart provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for June 16, 2026.
-------------------------
My 3.87 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[BookwormishMe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things change for most people when they have children. For this group it’s another layer of having to keep their noses clean. After all, Lucia is someone they all love and care about, even if she is Valencia’s daughter.

Mark, Pale Horse, is a former hit man for the Agency. A super-secret government agency that employs people to take care of problems. In Mark’s case, he was expected to make those problems go away permanently. Astrid was also employed by the Agency. They are both “retired” now and attend the weekly meetings of Assassins Anonymous, a ten step program for former paid killers.

When Valencia gets called away to California unexpectedly, to deal with some family issues, the group steps up to take care of Lucia. It will only be a few days, and really what can happen in a few days? Mark, Booker, and Astrid head to Target to load up on toddler food and clothing and go back to Mark’s apartment. Mark gets a call when they arrive back there and has to leave abruptly. Then Lucia gets sick, running a fever. Booker and Astrid aren’t quite sure what to do, so they run Lucia over to the nearest urgent care.

But things go sideways when they can’t come up with Lucia’s last name, and then make the mistake of saying they were caring for her while a friend is away. They have to plow there way out of there, which puts them on NYPD’s radar. Things continue to go downhill from there, involving the Russian mafia, a diner owner/fixer, and Mark’s ex and son.

As with the last two books, this is a truly wild series. Each one can standalone, but it’s so much better to read all of them. Mark is a very flawed but stand-up guy trying to find his way after retirement. Astrid, Booker, Valencia, and the others are also broken people, restarting their lives the best way they know how.

Rob Hart is a master of keeping the book rolling along. Each chapter keeping you engaged to get to the next. Yes, these books contain some blood and gore, and some heavy subjects, but they’re good. They are page turners. Quick to read.

Can’t wait for the next one in the series!

[Martin Baggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following the Assassins Anonymous series since the beginning, and with Three Hitmen and a Baby, Rob Hart returns to his group of reformed killers for what feels like the third and fina installment. The premise is irresistible on paper: three of the world's most dangerous people are left babysitting a toddler while Valencia rushes to LA to find her missing brother. What could go wrong? Quite a lot, as it turns out.

The idea of highly trained assassins being undone by a feverish child is fun, though it does require some suspension of disbelief. These are people who can neutralize a threat in seconds, yet apparently can't think to search online when a toddler spikes a fever?

Hart juggles multiple storylines competently, and the commitment to non-lethal takedowns adds a fun constraint to the action sequences. That said, the tension stretches credulity at times — watching three elite killers repeatedly navigate overwhelming opposition while refusing to use lethal force starts to feel more like a running gag than a genuine thriller element. The series also leans heavily on its established world: newcomers will likely feel lost without the context of the first two books.

Ultimately, Three Hitmen and a Baby feels more like a crowd-pleasing victory lap than a bold new chapter. It's entertaining, fast-paced, and has genuine heart — but it doesn't push the premise anywhere particularly new. If you've loved the series so far, I'd say pick it up. It's an easy, thrilling read that delivers exactly what fans are expecting — no more, no less.

A big thank you to Putnam and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Roben]

Thanks to Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced digital ARC.

It's Tuesday so that means it is time for the weekly Assassins Anonymous meeting. New location since their old meeting place was blown up in the last book. The circle has grown a bit and the coffee is better since Astrid sabotaged the "pod" machine. The meeting starts the usual way - but it is soon revealed that Valencia needs to head to California to find her missing brother. However, she needs someone to watch three year old Lucia. Mark, Astrid, and Booker volunteer - after all, they are Lucia's honorary "uncas". (Astrid can't convince her that she is really an aunt...). Valencia heads to the airport and the rest of the crew head to Target to stock up on supplies. If only they had bought something for a fever...

Thus begins another hilarious, thrilling adventure in the lives of our recovering assassins who have agreed to stop killing people. Though shooting them with a nail gun is allowed as long as it isn't a lethal shot. As many others have mentioned, these books have a John Wick feel to them - and I like John Wick. Ergo - I like these books also.

This is the third book in the series and it takes place about two to three years after the last book (based on Lucia's age). As others have mentioned, you could read this as a standalone. The author explains some of what happened in the first two books. But you would miss out on a lot of the details so I recommend reading the other two first.

There were a couple of details that wrapped things up a bit too easily so we'll have to see if Hart decides to unravel those in another book or leave it as it is. I would certainly be willing to take another peek at the characters to see where they end up next.

[Suz Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Valencia needs to leave town and tend to a family issue, she asks her three reformed assassin buddies (Mark, Astrid, and Booker) to watch Lucia, her toddler. Lucia spikes a fever, so Astrid and Booker take the child to urgent care. Not knowing pertinent information about Lucia makes the staff believe the child was kidnapped and an Amber Alert is initiated. Meanwhile, the Russian mob tells Mark to murder Astrid or they’ll kill his ex-girlfriend and her son.

Hart has found his stride with the Assassins Anonymous series, infusing each book with thrills, chills, humor, and heart. He keeps the series fresh by exploring how maintaining sobriety, i.e. not killing, raises the stakes, creates internal tension, and increases complexity.

Not only are the main characters in the support group multi-layered and fascinating, the other characters such as mob enforcer Slava, driver Edith, and diner owner/armorer Lulu continue to surprise and delight while enhancing the New York story world. Hart masterfully handles the large cast. Special shout out to Mark’s cat Kittie Smalls (formerly P. Kitty.)

This dual point-of-view installment alternates between Mark and Astrid’s perspectives, which allows for sewing secrets and driving the drama into multiple directions. Hart ends most chapters on a point of tension, creating a page turner.

The dynamics between the characters make the ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS series extra special. I am hoping Hart sells the film rights.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You dummies didn't think to just get the kid some Tylenol?"

Three elite assassins are nearly brought down by one sick child because they weren't sure what to do about a high fever. But that's not their only problem. In their line of work enemies are clamoring for a shot at revenge.

Mark, Astrid, Booker, and Valencia left that life and are now in recovery and making amends to those affected by their actions. None of them have family to speak of - with the exception of Valencia's scene-stealing daughter Lucia - but they've become family to each other, and that's all that matters. When Valencia heads to California to find her brother, she leaves three-year-old daughter Lucia with Mark, Booker, and Astrid - who have no experience with children but will guard her with their lives. And their lives are endangered plenty in these pages.

Mark may be the renowned assassin known as the Pale Horse, but he's also owned by a cat named Kittie Smalls, is lactose intolerant, and decides Bluey is a pretty good show after watching it with Lucia. Their scenes together will melt your heart. His character development over the course of the three books is a chef's kiss, and what a feat that is considering his past.

In between action-packed scenes are touching moments that might have you tearing up. But then strap yourself in for a gripping ending with a plot twist that had me nodding enthusiastically - it was perfect. The conclusion is completely appropriate for these characters, but I'm hoping this isn't the end of the road for the series.

Highly recommended for fans of exceptionally complex characters, off the charts high stakes, and found family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Hitman and a Baby by Rob Hart is an interesting tale of four ex-assassins who know one another because of their association with Assassins Anonymous, a group whose aim is obvious. One of their member, Valencia, has to go out of town to help her brother but is worried about her toddler daughter. The other three volunteered to help. Everyone was skeptical but it seemed the most immediate solution. Then came the issues. Being ignorant of little kids, when Lucia comes down with a fever, they didn’t know to just go buy infant Tylenol, so they took her to emergency, where not knowing the child’s last name, among other things, were red flags and the emergency personnel called the police. This panicked them and they ran. But, they had faces on security cameras and could be tracked. Mark, the leader of the group, had a contact that could help with that. Thus began a several day chase, partly from the police, and partly from a Russian mobster who had a contract on Mark.

This book is an interesting take on a thriller. Thrilling, it was. But, they all had skills, Booker and Astrid as many as Mark. Then the worst happened. The mobster had figured out about Cara and Bennett, left from the time Mark had tried to go straight. He had accidentally killed Cara’s brother, when he snuck in with Christmas gift, thinking he was an intruder. That sunk the relationship, but now they were in the forefront. Interesting characters, amazing plot, wonderful idea. Plenty of shooting with some interesting weapons as the AA members were not interesting in killing anyone. Falling off the wagon, so to speak. Interesting, intriguing. Good read.

I was invited to read Three Hitmen and a Baby by Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Putnam #RobHart #ThreeHitmenAndABaby

[Dubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The members of the New York chapter of Assassins Anonymous, led by Mark (FKA as the deadliest hit man, The Pale Horse, and Astrid, FKA as the deadly hit woman Azrael), are back in the third entry in Rob Hart's action-packed comedic series. And they do not disappoint.

The conceit here is that these former assassins have sworn off killing, even accidentally or collaterally though their actions. But their enemy-filled past keeps pitting them against those that want to do them grievous bodily harm. They have to defend themselves without compromising their "sobriety".

This one kicks off with Astrid and Booker having to take care of Valencia's toddler Lucia while Valencia is off to L.A. to help her brother. Meanwhile Mark is faced with a Sophie's choice -- kill Astrid for the evil Russian mob boss The Zmeya, or have The Zmeya take out his one-time girlfriend and son (from the main plot line of Assassins Anonymous #1) .

There is perhaps a little too much out of the frying pan into the fire sequences (Robert McKee would be pleased), but the plot is a lot of fun as the AA trio try to stay ahead of the NYPD, the Russians, and the black ops intelligence agency known as The Agency while saving each other and their loved ones.

Though I found the original Assassins Anonymous to be a little light on character development, a criticism amply addressed in The Medusa Protocol, I now find myself firmly committed to a set of characters that I think of fondly. Looks like I'll be seeing more of them down the road.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advance reading copy of Three Hitmen and a Baby in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, lots of fun, hoping for more.

[Jenny K (on partial break) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did!

Plot summary: Assassins Anonymous member Valencia needs to head out to California for a few days, and her "found family" members offer to watch her 2-year old, Lucia.

Lots of hijinks ensue when Lucia gets sick and needs urgent care, but no one know her last name. The police are called in and they make a run for it. In the meantime, a favor gets called in, and Mark is asked to commit a crime he refuses to, at the risk of a family member getting killed.
Now everyone is on the run, and things go from bad to worse, until they can clear their names...sort of, since they have aliases as assasins...and rescue the people at risk.

Whew! This was really action-packed. You know how great books are full of conflict, and that happens when you get your characters into all kinds of trouble? That's what happens here. Over and over again. Just when someone is about to be resolved, something else comes to mess it up. There's nail-biting tension to see how they're going to get out of each mess.

At the same time, the author provides just the right human touches to keep the reader emotionally invested. The right description or sentence does it perfectly, and there's good humor.

And Lucia...bringing in a toddler into just makes the whole thing feel so much more real and human.

Some of the action is over the top, but that's part of the fun.

I didn't read the previous books and it was totally fine. I definitely plan to read the next one if there is!

Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam, and Rob Hart for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eGalley from NetGalley for an honest review.

Mark, Astrid, and the rest of the recovering assassins are back in Book 3 of Assassins Anonymous, Three Hitmen and a Baby. Valencia needs to deal with a family issue, so she leaves Lucia with Mark, Booker, and Astrid, but things don't go as smoothly as hoped. Lucia spikes a fever, and while at urgent care, Astrid and Booker realize they don't know the required information, causing them to flee and become wanted for kidnapping. Meanwhile, Mark is summoned by the Zmeya, a Russian boss, to kill Astrid (he owes her a favor). If he doesn't, the Zmeya will kill Sara and Bennett, Mark's son. Mark must protect them and his sobriety, but how? Soon, Astrid is ready to turn herself over to the Russians to save Mark, and Booker and Mark are ready to blow up everything to send a message to the Zmeya. All while still taking care of Lucia and hoping Valencia won't kill them all upon her return.

I have read eGalleys of all three Assassins Anonymous books, and I like the premise, but I struggled with the rotating narrator in this one. I think Hart would have been better off either sectioning the novel for Mark and Astrid or writing it in third-person narration. This installment also lacked something, but I'm not sure what exactly. It felt a bit whiny at times, and also self-serving in parts. I wanted more development with both plotlines. If Hart continues with this series, I will continue reading it; I like the premise of it.

[J. F. "Thriller Ghost Writer" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommendation: Read it! Creative. Hilarious. One of a Kind.
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"Three Hitmen and A Baby", Assassins Anonymous #3 by Rob Hart (2026)
Review based on an advance review copy courtesy of G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley.
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____Review Spotlight: Fast-paced thriller trilogy. Original themes —with a healthy dose of humor!
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Author Rob Hart introduced his readers to a reformed assassins' fellowship in Book 1 "Assassins Anonymous" (2024), the NYC Lower East Side chapter which meets near Delancey, to be specific.
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"AA". Complete with a vow of sobriety and a 12-step program, sponsors to guide junior members, introductions limited to first names to emphasize the importance of absolute anonymity, chairs-in-a-circle, bare-your-soul, cleanse-your-conscience sessions, in a darkened room at night.
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//____ "Hi, I'm ...................., and I haven't killed anyone in two and a half years."
(Tongue-in-cheek chuckles. - Reader) ____//
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Led by Mark, reformed assassin, aka the "Pale Horse", who was once - and still is - "the most feared killer-for-hire in the world". He'd worked for "The Agency", shadowy, clandestine, operates outside the boundaries of international law.
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Joined by Kenji, Mark's sponsor, former Yakuza, skilled swordsman. Booker, former black-ops mercenary, five years sober. Valencia, former SOG CIA, seven years dry. Astrid, medic, spiritual healer, potential romantic interest. Also known as Azrael, "The Angel of Death", a former Agency hitter, sponsored by Mark.
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Last, but not least, P. Kitty, Mark's cat and loyal companion, plus Mrs. Nguyen, cat sitter extraordinaire, herself too, with lethal liaisons.
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All, except Kenji, are featured in Book 3.
They do keep a empty chair in the circle for Kenji.
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Book 2. A brief incursion into "The Medusa Protocol", (2025)
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Ilha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island)
Estado de São Paulo, Brasil
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When one of their own gets abducted, the elite group of "reformed assassins", conduct a night raid on Snake Island, Brazil's forbidden paradise, 100 km south of São Paulo, home to the experimental enclave of Dr. Felix Vogt, a modern day Mengele, a proponent of the so-called "Medusa Protocol"...
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Assassins Anonymous Book 3.
From "Snake Island" to "Lucia's world"!
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━═ "Three Hitmen and A Baby", Assassins Anonymous #3 by Rob Hart (2026)
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New York, NY.
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Lucia's world.
Former Special Operations Group /CIA Operative, and Mom, Valencia, has to deal with a dire family emergency in LA. She has no option but to leave her toddler, Lucia, in the safe and capable hands of her AA friends. To wit, reformed assassins-cum-babysitters, black-ops mercenary, Booker, "Azrael, The Angel of Death", also known as Astrid, and the "Pale Horse" himself, Mark.
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A nursery emergency.
Shortly after, the trio find themselves with their hands full trying to manage a feverish, teething toddler.
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The NYPD gets involved!
No last names known! As they try to obtain meds from a pharmacy, they'd forgotten they were all on a first name basis to emphasize anonymity. They knew neither the mom's nor the toddler's last name. Duane Reade sics the cops on them.
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The Russian mob moves in.
In retribution for a past transgression, the Bratva tries to coerce the Pale Horse to snuff out a friend in his AA circle, in exchange for the souls of two close to Marc, whom they'd kidnapped.

Mark's deep secret.
Sara, separated from Mark by a tragedy which had resulted in the death of her brother, and Bennett, their son, are both tracked down and taken by the Russian mob.
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The Agency resurfaces.
They send the Viper to "collect" on the Pale Horse's and Astrid's perceived betrayals of trust.
Mark makes a deal.
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The Sacrifice!
To keep them all safe.
To have them all left alone.
By the Russian mob, the Agency. Away from the NYPD
—Sara, Bennett, Astrid, Valencia, Lucia, Booker, Mrs. Nguyen, P. Kitty.
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Mark sacrifices himself.
Witnessed by many. Shot to death.
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The Aftermath.
They mourn his loss.
Two empty chairs in the circle.
One for Kenji. And now, one for Mark, too.
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Then, Edith steps in.
They/them, a pizza delivery person.
A big help in one of Mark's/their Russian encounters.
Sniper. Assassin. Among the best.
Mark had called her to give him a hand.
Edith, they/them. The newest member of NYC's AA lower east side circle...!
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tgw━━━━════════
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The novel brings to mind the highest grossing movie of 1987, Leonard Nimoy's "Three Men and a Baby", with megastars Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson, three bachelors forced to adapt to fatherhood when an unexpected infant is left on their doorstep.
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Recommendation: Read it! Creative. Hilarious. One of a Kind.

Book details:
"Three Hitmen and A Baby", Assassins Anonymous #3 by Rob Hart (2026)
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons
Book launch date: June 16, 2026
Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0 Stars!)
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https://amzn.to/3PHsO3q
#ad
#robhart
#gpputnamssons
#penguinrandomhouse
#assassinsanonymous
#netgalley

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Uncorrected eBook Proof

It’s a strange family: Booker, a former mercenary; Valencia, a former covert operator for the CIA; Mark, once known as the Pale Horse, the world’s deadliest assassin; Astrid, once known as Azrael, the Angel of Dath, working with Mark for the Agency.

Now they’re all part of Assassins Anonymous, a recovery group for killers. But someone is after Mark. Are any of them safe?

=========

Third in the author’s Assassins Anonymous series, this story finds Valencia rushing off to Los Angeles to find her missing brother, leaving her daughter, Lucia, in the care of Mark, Astrid, and Booker. Although this is part of a series, there is sufficient backstory for the book to work as a standalone for new readers.

As unlikely as it might seem, these reformed assassins are a family, supporting each other, helping each other. There’s lots of action in this thrilling mystery, but its strength lies in the characters and the family relationships. When Lucia falls ill; they take her to the clinic, where chaos ensure.

With a plot that twists and turns, readers discover some unexpected surprises. The emotion underlying the story pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. It’s thrilling, it’s humorous, it’s both delightful and unputdownable.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Putnam / G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#ThreeHitmenandaBaby #NetGalley

[Joan Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assassins Anonymous is an organization for hitmen who wish to reform and cease killing. Joining such a group creates a close camaraderie, even a family, among the members. It also creates perilous situations from the residual effects of their crimes and from dangerous people who may be looking for revenge. When Valencia dashes off to LA to search for her missing brother, she leaves her toddler, Lucia, with the three other members of AA. One of the members, Mark, is summoned by a Russian mob leader, to whom he owes a favor. Meanwhile, Lucia awakens with a high fever. When the other two AA members take her to Urgent Care, they soon realize that they have made a terrible mistake because they don't even know her last name. A mad dash out of the Urgent Care means that the police are now looking for them and the 'kidnapped' child. They are working overtime to hide from the police until Valencia returns and sort outs that situation, while also trying to get Mark out of the jam he's in -- without killing anyone, of course.

This is the second book of this series that I have read and I enjoyed them both. The members of AA use their wits and not bullets (OK, maybe rubber ones) to outsmart the bad guys and it is quite entertaining to see how they will overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, which they always do.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.