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Mother. Widow. Spy.

Eva Delacourt has been in hiding for three years after her fiancée was assassinated in cold blood outside the British embassy in Prague.

She thought she was safe.

But someone in the mysterious Section has betrayed her, and now she’s on the run for her life, sworn to protect the six-year-old boy she adores.

Her enemies are closing in, and the odds are not in Eva’s favour. For Eva, the nightmare is just beginning…

Assassins Hunted is the first part in an ongoing story involving Eva Delacourt. The story will be continued in book 2 of the English Assassins series, Assassins Vengeance.

The English Assassins series is a new concept by acclaimed crime fiction author, Rachel Amphlett. Combining fast-paced thrilling reads with episodic delivery in the vein of TV shows 24, Alias, and Spooks, series one is a must-read for fans of Jason Bourne and Killing Eve.

186 pages, ebook

Published January 7, 2018

1 person is currently reading
108 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Amphlett

206 books668 followers
Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.

A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.



Praise for Rachel Amphlett

“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty

“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession

“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author

“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza

"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Phrynne.
4,030 reviews2,726 followers
May 3, 2018
Rachel Amphlett is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors. This book, first in the series, is full of action and ends with an absolute cliff hanger which meant I spent a couple of minutes on Amazon purchasing the next two books.

Sometimes an author delivers a female main character who is genuinely intelligent, strong and independent and does not spend her time putting herself into situations which require a man to bail her out. In Assassins Hunted we have Eva Delacourt, former assassin, now on the run from just about everybody and responsible for not just her own life but also that of a small boy called Alex. Eva plans ahead, outsmarts some of the best players and does not hesitate to do anything she has to to stay free.

This is a short book and it is fast paced and totally engaging. Reading it on a Kindle meant the ending took me by surprise - what I would give to have the time to go straight into the next book:)
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,073 reviews3,012 followers
December 29, 2017
Eva Delacourt didn’t think she’d have to implement the plan which was put in place some eighteen months prior, but her first priority was six-year-old Alex – she needed to get him to safety. Three years prior her fiancé Douglas had been assassinated; Eva had been in hiding since, with Alex by her side.

When once again her position was compromised, Eva made the decision to go it alone – with Alex by her side, but with no help from the Section, whom she no longer trusted. But could she do it? The people after them were the best – Eva just had to be better…

From Berlin to Prague – how were they finding Eva? She was desperate; but she needed to stay cold and analytical to remain one step ahead.

Assassins Hunted is the first book in the English Spy Mysteries by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett, to be published on 7th January 2018, with book two, Assassins Vengeance following on the 14th January. A novella, Assassins Hunted is fast paced and filled with tension; quick and easy to read. It also has the author’s signature style, intriguing and suspenseful – leaving me wanting more! Highly recommended.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
Profile Image for Alex Cantone.
Author 3 books45 followers
September 25, 2018
Assassins Hunted, the first in a trilogy, opens with main character Eva Delacourt, a former “black ops” assassin with the “Service”, hiding out in present-day Cyprus with a young boy called Alex. After three years on the run their cover has been blown and they barricade themselves in a safe room while the apartment is engulfed in flames. The pair are then airlifted to Berlin and moved to a hotel with analyst Nathan Crowe, who was charged with a watching brief over her, but in the lobby Eva recognises someone from her past, a man who should not be alive…

The trio escapes the hotel and takes to the subway/train network, heading south to the Czech border, and reach a safe house in Prague, where Eva contacts another former Assassin, Decker, and locates CIA operative, Scott Lancaster. who tells her there is a ‘code one’ out to eliminate her and Nathan.

This is a novella-length, fast-paced intro to the series but to my reading tastes, light on detail. It’s been some years since I was in Germany, but there was no way then that you could board / change trains without a ticket or ticket inspector. No details on the cities themselves and few on the landscape, even when they reach Italy.

I will reserve awarding stars until I’ve read further titles; but I prefer each to be stand alone rather than a tease into the next. Other books beckon more than this.
Profile Image for Eva.
957 reviews530 followers
January 10, 2018
If, like me, you are a huge fan of Rachel Amphlett’s Kay Hunter series, then you are probably eagerly awaiting book five. Not to worry, it’s coming but for now Rachel Amphlett is exploring an entirely new concept with The English Spy Mysteries and I must say, I quite like the way she’s decided to tackle this. It’s a bit like a tv show, where you get a new episode every week with a massive cliffhanger that will make sure you keep coming back for more.

In this first novella, Assassins Hunted, we meet Eva Delacourt. She’s a widow, a mother and a spy who, due to events in the past, has been laying low with her son. But her whereabouts have been compromised and she’s forced to go on the run as it seems someone in the Section has betrayed her. Who is after her and why? My lips are sealed. You’ll just have to read it for yourself. 😉

I can tell you that this has everything you’d expect from a gripping spy thriller and once again proves the author is a fantastic thriller writer! (If you haven’t yet done so, you should check out her Dan Taylor espionage series.) It’s action-packed from the very first page and with nail-biting tension and a relentless pace, it had me hooked from start to finish. Like Eva herself, it’s hard to know who can be trusted as she navigates a world full of lies, deceit and secrets. Some of which are her own. And just like her, you barely get a minute to catch your breath.

Now, of course it’s up to you to figure out how you want to set about reading these novellas. You can choose to read them as the author intended or all in one go, as if you’re having a binge-watching session on Netflix. I decided on the first option because apparently I quite enjoy torturing myself but this exciting and fresh approach really lends itself to it. And at a 186 pages, you can absolutely read this in one sitting, which is a good thing because you won’t want to put it down!
Profile Image for Shell Baker.
631 reviews21 followers
April 5, 2018
This is the first book in the English spy mysteries. Rachel Amphlett brings us something completely different her detective Kay Hunter series....which I am also a fan of.

Assassins Hunted introduces us to Eva Delacourt who has been in hiding for three years after her fiance was assassinated outside the British embassy in Prague. We follow Eva on one hell of an action packed journey where she finds herself on the run to protect her six year old son.

OMG what an introduction ....what a story! The author pulls out all the punches with this pulse racing action packed read. I do love an action spy/assassin thriller. I am actually a massive fan of Jason Bourne and this book has left me wondering if Eva is related to him LOL

The author has made it stand out for me having a female lead character which you don't usually find in this genre, I love the fact that she is a mother and will do anything to protect her son. I can totally relate to this being a mother myself.

We are taken to Cyprus, Berlin and Prague with descriptions that make you feel totally in the story. I cannot being to tell you how brilliant the tension build up is keeping you on the edge of your seat.

In case you hadn't guessed I freaking loved this book. I am sure this is going to be one hell of a kick-ass series. That fans of Jason Bourne and Carl Logan are going to love.
I cannot recommend it enough giving it 5 massive stars.
Profile Image for Steve.
1,329 reviews
August 23, 2018
This was a rather predictable paint by numbers action book that was still rather short and sweet. The action picked up from the very first page, but then started slowing down, until we finally reached a rather lukewarm climax. I would have preferred well, more book in my book. I am uncertain if I will finish the series.
Profile Image for Rubina G Gomes.
335 reviews50 followers
December 12, 2020
An awesome start to the series!

Review of Assassins Hunted -
From the first sentence of this book, we are dropped right into action. This book sets the atmosphere and mood for the books that follow. As a reader I was with Eva on this journey, trying to find out who is behind all this. Travelling across countries, trying to stay one step ahead of the enemies, I could feel rush and tension Eva and co were going through. Even when they took a breather, all the senses remained alert, never knowing from where you’re going to be attacked. By the time we reach the end, an amazing cliffhanger drops which actually leaves you hanging there wanting to get answers and therefore reading the next book in line.
5 Stars!

Review of Assassins Vengeance -
Assassins Vengeance begins where Assassins Hunted ends. We are still in that same action mode, running to save our lives, I mean Eva and co.😝 But it feel like you’re also running to save your life. You never know who attacks you from where. This book adds more to the story and reveals more about Eva’s past and why someone might want her dead. Though this one is a bit less twisty, there are enough to keep you engaged and wanting more. Also, there’s no cliffhanger end in this book but the appearance of 9mm pistol let’s you know that the concluding book is going to be so fun! 😈
4.5 Stars!

Review of Assassins Retribution -
Assassins Retribution begins where Assassins Vengeance ends. We are back where it all began, Prague, where Eva and co are trying to retrace the events that happened three years ago and find out who their enemy is and what his plan is. As with book 1 & 2, here too we are full of action, running, shooting, infiltrating, doing what spies are meant to do. The extra jolt of surprising twists that I felt missing in book 2 was made up for in book 3. There are some major twists that I didn’t see coming and made me sit up questioning everything I knew so far. And the final showdown! It was absolute blast! I mean literally! 😍
5 Stars!
Profile Image for Dee-Cee  It's all about the books.
308 reviews20 followers
January 8, 2018
From the first page I was hooked and I knew this was going to be an intense and addictive read.
Eva Delacourt has been in hiding for three years after her fiancée was assassinated. Thinking she is safe, things take a turn and the only thing to do is go on the run and try to find out who is after her and the six year old boy she adores.  
Eva  is a very interesting character, she’s secretive and strong, yet she has a vulnerable side to her. In Assassins Hunted, although we do find out a lot about her character I feel we just touch the surface, there’s a lot more to Eva and I’m really looking forward to finding out more and following her character as she progresses.
Assassins Hunted really is an action packed story full of interesting characters. This isn’t a story you can settle down with and think I’ll just read a couple of chapters, this is a story that will totally grip you, keep you reading and leave you breathless and desperate for more.
I don’t want to give any of the plot away as I really believe this is going to be a huge hit and I don’t want to spoil any of it at all, it’s exciting and fresh and Amphlett has a way of really setting the scene making the reader really feel part of the story.
Profile Image for Ellen.
448 reviews34 followers
January 15, 2018
I’m a huge fan of the Kay Hunter series by Rachel Amphlett so I jumped at the opportunity to read her new British Spy series novellas beginning with Assassins Hunted. I can’t deny that I was a little nervous. Would I enjoy a spy/espionage book? Would I click with the main character Eva Delacourt as much as I did Kay Hunter??

There was no reason to be worried! Assassins Hunted has an explosive start and the pace doesn’t relent. Eva Delacourt has been on the run for a number of years but has managed to keep her identity secret until now…she is tracked down to her new identity and home in Cyprus and her attackers mean business. Eva proves to be a worthy adversary, managing to save herself and her son Alex.

It becomes apparent that Eva’s hunters are relentless and even under the protection of her former employers the MI6 her life is in danger. We are taken on a heart thumping race from danger with Eva, Alex and Nathan Crowe. Nathan is a lowly computer analyst who is tasked with working with Eva to find out who is after her and why – but there are far more dangers and dark secrets that are exposed along the way.

I loved Eva and her kickass ways; a cracking start to a new series!
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,291 reviews73 followers
August 21, 2019
Assassins Hunted is book one in the English Assassins by Rachel Amphlett. Eva Delacourt after three years on the run through that she was finally safe. However, that was not the case; someone betrayed the whereabouts of her safe house. Eva and Alex are on the running for their lives, and on the way, Nathan Crowe became involved. The readers of Assassins Hunted will follow Eva and Alex to find out what happens.

Assassins Hunted plot is different from other spy books and for this reason I enjoyed read this book. I became engaged with the plot from the beginning, and now I have read the other two books in this series. Amphlett portrayal of her characters and the way the characters intertwine with each other. Assassins Hunted is well written and researched by Rachel Amphlett. I like Rachel Amphlett description of her settings for Assassins Hunted. Rachel Amphlett did a fantastic job incorporating the twists and the turns in this book.

The readers of Assassins Hunted will learn about the role of Analyst in an intelligence operation. Also, the readers of Assassins Hunted will learn about the consequences of having someone leak information in an intelligence organisation.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews542 followers
June 3, 2018
Right from the start Eva is having a bad day, she just needs to get the bottom of why. As she was/is a spy that makes it a bit tougher. Even though Eva has been out of the life for a while she manages to keep one step ahead of those coming after her and even coming up with the why. With the bomb dropped in the last sentence I look forward to reading the next books to see how things play out.
Profile Image for Janine.
2,569 reviews75 followers
May 26, 2018
Short but well written with lots of suspense and a cliffhanger ending that made me go straight to the next in the series.
210 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2019
Enjoy her fast pace easy to read writing. First in series will keep reading. Good to find a new author
Profile Image for Richard.
2,311 reviews193 followers
March 20, 2025
This is how it is right. You know just what you are reading and have books to read in your list.
You have authors you like; series that you know you'll get into and never then find the time or space to read them or catch up with their. You follow their blogs and newsletters and acquire their books when set at affordable prices and your collection grows. Your appreciation grows in proportion but the opportunity to read them seems as distant as ever.
Then they bring out a new series. Other authors alert you on publication day and you decide today is the day you finally start reading Rachel Amphlett as the downloaded book is just 99p and it is less than 200 pages long. I can read it tonight. Excited, it is a triology, the English Spy Mysteries begin with Assassins Hunted and book number two is out in another seven days to maintain the interest.
Move aside Kevin Wignall; take a step down my to read list, Mark Dawson, its Rachel Amphlett's moment to shine.
I love a good spy thriller; the double agents, government conspiracies and the whole licenced to kill scenario all boys have since reading and watching Ian Fleming's James Bond.
So in an evening of great escapism I have been to Cyprus, Berlin and Prague as former agent Eva has tried to keep one step ahead of who ever killed her boyfriend by going off radar. Witness protection of sorts but she is a rersouceful assassin, well trained but pleased to safe and free to bring up her son Alex. She is still linked to her own control from London and finds herself in Berlin needing help now that her identity and security has been compromised. Yet, it seems she is being kept in the dark and the seriousness of her situation hidden and when her next 'place of safety' appears to have been known to those trying to kill her she wonders who she can trust.
The pace never lets up, the story gently unfolds in terms of what really happens while the characters dodge bullets, jump trains and hijack cars in an attempt to outrun their pursuers.
as we learn more about the complex motives and the players involved we realise we know as little as poor Nathan the computer nerd whose only mistake was to raise the alarm the enemy had perhaps traced Eva to Cyprus. We are out of breath ready for fresh revelations when this episode ends and we must wait until book two to learn more.
A compulsive read and guaranteed to have many orders for the next instalment.
My faith in Rachel Amphlett was well placed and delight of delights I have loads of her books on my kindle ready to read. However, normal service to be renewed for one week until Assassins Vengence is released.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,695 reviews62 followers
January 16, 2018
Now those of you of a certain age may remember back when Stephen King first released The Green Mile. Way back before it became a major motion picture, this book was released in six parts and, rather annoyingly, fans of the series had to wait a whole calendar month between each book being released to find out what was going on in that there prison.

Why do I mention this? Well because, in a wonderfully plotted episodic fashion, akin to TV series like 24, that is exactly what you're faced with when you dip into the pages of Assassins Hunted, book one in the English Spy Mysteries series. Now the savvy reader can play this one of two ways. Obsessed readers (me) who have zero patience, can dive straight in as and when, (thankfully) week by week, the three books are released or the more patient may choose to save them and read all three on the bounce. But where's the fun in that ... ?

I started to read book one as soon as I downloaded it on my kindle (a frustrating couple of minutes wait as mine is soooooo slow) and I was rewarded with a book which is as explosive as any Dan Taylor book and due to the episodic nature, twice as intriguing, leaving me craving the next episode.

In part one we are introduced to the central protagonist, Eva Delacourt, a former operative for the mysterious Section. After three years in hiding it appears Eva has been found and her life and that of those around her is in jeopardy. As to who from, or why ... well that is something that is going to be uncovered as the story unfurls week by week, but I can say that from the very get go there is no let up in what is an intense and taut thrill ride. It may only take one and half hours or so to read, but every minute is well used, with heart thumping action, assassination attempts and characters who I am really starting to get a feel and a liking for.

Now Eva has certain talents shall we say, as the title of the book may suggest, which make her a formidable opponent. Savvy, sharp and hyper alert, she has all the skills you want in your action hero. However, her back up, at least initially, are a trained agent-come-cybergeek and a six year old boy whose lives she needs to protect as much as her own. Without knowing who her true enemies are it makes for one exciting read.

Now I can't say too much more about the plot as it is constantly evolving and we only have a flavour of what is yet to come in this series. Needless to say, given the styling of the novellas, the book ends on quite the cliffhanger, so if this is the kind of thing to drive you nuts then you may want to be reader type two as mentioned above. If you can stand the tension and the anticipation which will surely build in the lead up to the release of part two next week, then go take a look now.

Rachel Amphlett has a real talent for creating tension and producing a sense of urgency through her writing which is used to full effect here. A brilliant start to the series and it has hooked me 100%. 
Profile Image for Cathy Ryan.
1,267 reviews76 followers
January 23, 2018
4.5*
Eva Delacourt wondered how they’d found her, as she watched the video link from the gatehouse. Something or someone had compromised this place where she and Alex had felt safe. Since Doug was killed three years ago, Eva and Alex have been in hiding, moving from place to place. Now it was beginning again. There was a contingency plan in place…she was always prepared. Now she needed to find out who and why. She and Alex are on the run again, trying to stay ahead of the bad guys, with the help of Nathan, a computer analyst, who becomes involved when he is given the task of working with Eva to find out how she was compromised and who is after her.

Assassins Hunted begins with a bang – literally – and the action doesn’t let up. Rachel Amphlett is exploring a different avenue in that these fast paced, spy mystery thrillers are a serialised story, and at less than 200 pages, are perfect as a quick, exciting read. There are three episodes, one released each week. The third has just been released so if you prefer to binge read, now’s your chance.

Although Assassins Hunted puts the main players in the frame, it’s initially unclear the way in which the mysterious Section operates and who they are. Eva, as well as the reader, is not sure who is trustworthy. Someone, possibly in the Section, has betrayed her. From Cyprus, to the British Embassy in Berlin and on to Prague, Eva has to keep ahead of the trained killers following in their footsteps. Despite Eva’s lack of field work over the last few years, she is anything but a pushover, her abilities are ingrained and she’s not about to give up even if her pursuers are relentless and the odds aren’t in her favour. Great start to this series.
Profile Image for Grace J Reviewerlady.
2,135 reviews104 followers
January 2, 2018
A new series from Rachel Amphlett is guaranteed to get me excited .. I very quickly remembered why she is one of my favourite authors!

Eva Delacourt and her son have been on the move for three years. As an employee of the British security services, Eva is a widow since her husband was murdered and has relocated continually so that his attackers don’t catch up with her and her son. Years of training has stood her in good stead and she is, like a good scout, always prepared. So when all hell breaks loose mother and son survive unscathed – which is more than can be said for the multiple bad guys. So from here on, Eva is on the run. One question needs answered in order for her to protect herself, her son and another agent who becomes unwittingly involved – who, what and why?

Exciting from the very first words, this is written in the author’s trademark style of non-stop action. This is not a book you can mull over to ponder what happens next – there is so much happening that you don’t have time to think about it – you’re too busy keeping up! And the final page will take your breath away! Not one for your wish list but one to rush out and purchase as soon as you can.

My thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this, the first in series. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Ingo.
1,248 reviews17 followers
January 16, 2018
Did not realize it is a serial, so, rather short, 1 star less. Also, next book pre-ordered.
Fast story of someone on a run and trying to find out why.

Recommended, but that depends on how regularly the episode-books are published and how much they cost. Not too fond of serial-books, sometimes I wait till the series is ended (even with a trilogy I sometimes go that way), to read it all in the pace I set and also as I do not like the cliffhanger(s) that most times are used.
293 reviews
December 30, 2018
Assassins Hunted - Rachael Amphlett

This is a short story, about 180 pages.

She’s an assassin, ‘cause title says so:)
She WAS a fiancé with a son, unfortunately that didn’t end well.
It’s now some years later and she’s been hidden all that time, yet it’s all starting again;(

It’s a sharp, tense story, and the subsequent books are the same length so they all come at the consequently lower price. Good story 3/5

From 28/12/2018 to 30/12/2018
3 reviews
December 29, 2017
Amphlett's stories are always gripping and hard to put down. Well-crafted plots and believable characters.
Reading the Assassins trilogy is a must. Two out of three isn't going to satisfy.
Collect all three!
I had the pleasure of being one of her Advance Copy readers, and what a Christmas it was!
2 reviews
December 29, 2017
I am lucky enough to be one of the ARC group for Rachel's books and I am glad that I am when books like these arrive.

I have read the Assassins series, had to read them one after the other even though, because I started late evening, it took me into the early hours. I thoroughly enjoyed them, you have another winner on your hands. WELL DONE.
157 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2018
Rachel Amphlett, one of my favorite authors, back to a spy/dark ops genre. This time as a serial. The first edition is as good as I would expect from her. As well written as her other books. I can’t wait to get the next two parts of the story. If you like fast paced adventure with a mystery this series is for you. Read it.
Profile Image for Myshelle.
286 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2019
Normally I only ever read crime novels. The English Spy Mysteries #1) is my first read of a Spy Novel.
Rachel Amphlett wrote an excellent series here. I say series as there are 3 follow on stories in one book. I read this book without putting it down, it was that good.
13 reviews
July 4, 2018
Enjoyed the book but the first few pages were frustrating, sentences that long they had to be reread several times
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