Shane and the Hitwoman

The Organization #1

by Bob Mayer

No one warned Shane or Agnes that it was going to be a red wedding. It’s eight months after the first, bloody, wedding at Two Rivers and things have calmed down and seven weddings have been hosted without a problem. But no longer.

Bring on an eclectic hitwoman, an amiable Duke, an icy Duchess, a lot of sharp swords, a crazed ex-Duchess, a computer hacker and a dog named Rhett, and you’ve got a recipe for an action-packed, hilarious novel about the perils and promises of commitment.

Shane has no idea as he’s hidden on a snowy hillside with his sniper rifle on a job for the Organization, how the mission connects to a pending wedding. The operation goes to hell and he’s rescued by his back-up; a younger, diminutive operative named Phoebe, who is armed with a short, but very sharp sword and an even sharper tongue.

A ‘small, intimate wedding’ is what was promised. But too late he learns that it involves fate of a small, but powerful European kingdom. At stake? Not just Shane’s life and Two Rivers, but his future with Agnes and the Organization. For Phoebe, an up and comer in the Organization, it’s her chance to show what’s she capable of. But standing in the way is the crazed ex-wife of the Duke, a mountain of a man armed with a very big sword, and a traitor within the ranks of the Organization itself.

Who will be left standing and what will their future look like?

Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Thriller, Humor

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

About the author

Besides my own interests, I read whatever my wife tells me to read-- she's a voracious reader and has wide-ranging tastes as my reviews show (she also always has the TV remote and she's always right about what to watch). I read a lot of nonfiction, mostly for research. Some of my favorite books are Lonesome Dove, Mystic River, LOTR, and an array of science fiction classics including the Foundation series. Our house is covered with books, although I finally broke down and started reading eBooks, strangely enough on my iPhone. Since I carry it pretty much everywhere, it means I always have an entire library of books with me.

I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.

I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book with some trepidation since I adored Agnes and the Hitman so very much. I re-read it at least twice a year; that's how much I love the book.

Well, this book was much different from the first one that Bob Mayer and Jennifer Cruise co-wrote. But, don't worry; some of our favorite characters are still around, although they don't play significant parts anymore. We still have Lisa Livia, Joey, Shane Garth, and Carpenter, as well as Detective Xavier and Rhett. But, no, Agnes does not really make an appearance. Too bad!

We are introduced to some new characters that will be in future books as well as one or two from past books Bodyguard of Lies. The action is exciting, the mystery is really pretty good, but this book just wasn't as humorous as the first one. No matter, I still want to read the next book, which will be out November 2022! "Phoebe and the Traitor" by Bob Mayer (see Amazon for details).

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a nail-biting suspense, mix in some intrigue and mystery, then sprinkle with a bit of light-hearted humor and fun and you have this seriously enjoyable story!

I think the only drawback would be for those who read the hugely successful “Agnes and the Hitman” from which this book is taken from. That book was a light-hearted romantic comedy with a bit of suspense. But, while Shane is still the protagonist (Agnes is away on a trip in this story) the romance is completely absent. It doesn’t make the book any less fun and interesting but for those, like myself, who were expecting something similar to that first book, it may take a bit to re-adjust expectations. Once accomplished, however, this story is all kinds of fun!

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew]

A sequel to the gloriously anarchic Agnes and the Hitman, which Mayer co-wrote with Jennifer Crusie. Crusie knows how to mesh plot, character and relationship seamlessly. Shane and the Hitwoman proves that she contributed all the wit, charm & pace to "Agnes". Mayer's is an altogether more pedestrian style.

[Deb Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Missed the mark

Okay, as a fan of “Agnes and the Hitman”, I was looking so forward to this book. Unfortunately, I was majorly disappointed.

The loss of Mr. Mayer’s co-writer from Agnes is keenly felt. Instead of being a delightful story full of quirky characters and a multilayered mystery, this book was all action and no heart. Honestly the recurring characters feel like an afterthought, as though the book was conceived with other characters in mind and the names were simply switched. Very disappointing.

Finally, I have to wonder if the author bothered to reread the original book before finalizing this one. There were several blatant continuity errors in the first few chapters that did not make sense— for example, LL and Agnes met in boarding school when they were older children, they never went to Keyes Elementary together.

[Kendra Delugar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mayer has done what looked impossible. I’m a huge fan of ‘Agnes and the Hitman’ and this solo follow up doesn’t disappoint. It seems Two Rivers will never host a quiet wedding, but would we want it to? Once again we’re taken on an action-packed romp, reuniting with old characters and meeting great new ones. The expected humor and sass is there, the expected thrills, and yeah, the expected mayhem. And Shane…perfection! I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this read.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars.
Still a good suspense/drama but missing the brilliant humor of the first book.

[Diane Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd read Agnes and the Hitman first. To enjoy this story, you don't really need to. It stands alone. I just want to know more about Agnes and her wedding venue, Two Rivers. This story, like all of Bob Mayer's books, is fast paced from start to finish. Despite the fact that Shane is a professional operative, he's often bewildered by circumstances surrounding a wedding. I love Phoebe. Smart, sassy, and competent. A hitwoman who wields her tongue like her sword, with skill and accuracy.

Likable characters, even the Duchess who raises hauteur to new heights. Excellent world building--the Low Country (Savannah, GA and environs). Descriptions are so good I could almost smell and taste the air around Two Rivers. Along with preparing for a wedding that could end in war, the Organization must discover who's leaking info. Who is the traitor? Though we discover who it is, the person escapes, a lead in to the next story.

[Mare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another exciting romp with Shane at Two Rivers.

[Lakshmi C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars RTC

[Martee Duffey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected the fun and excitement of Agnes and the Hitman. I expected to be on the edge of my seat. Without his co-author, I do not believe this book should have been written. The characters personalities completely changed. Agnes never would have shown PDA at a public airport in beginning knowing Shane’s job. LL, in this book, behaved more like an insecure college girl than the shrewd, in your face business woman of the first book. In this follow up, Joey started acting mobbed up (tossing Italian words around) instead of playing the part of the simple restaurant owner with a murky past. Shane never would have answered a text on a job or behaved like a love sick college boy. Carpenter acted disconnected from the real world-I’d say most people know what “put a ring on it” means. And did we really need a wedding with such a complicated history lesson? The first book made me cry with laughter. Garth actually remained true to himself in this book. I did not appreciate having to look up a lot of complicated adjectives that were unnecessary and cumbersome. And the Latin phrases- why? Books like these aren’t supposed to take me 8 days to read. They are supposed to be a guilty pleasure from non-fiction and murder mystery. For such a short book, it seemed to go on forever.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for Agnes to have a strong presence in this book, you may.want to take a pass. I still enjoyed the book after realizing she was not going to be a big part of it. Consider it as being the first book regarding the Organization, and not Agnes.

Being honest, I was expecting more of what was in the first book. I think that is why the first part of this book dragged a bit for me. I kept looking for something that didn't happen.

I wasn't sure about Phoebe at first. It felt like both Shane and Carpenter were off their game. That made me a little sad. I perked up when I discovered there was a whole different mystery going on involving the Organization.

But, I stuck with it and ridiculousness ensued again. Phoebe grew on me. The Duchess loosened up. There was still a good deal of quirkiness. And....there was the battle.
I enjoyed it when Phoebe stepped up.

There was more historical information then I was expecting, but it served its purpose eventually. I would give this 3.5 stars.

[L.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read Agnes and The Hitman before picking up the sequel, so it took me a few pages to catch up with references to past events, but they weren't necessary to enjoy the story. Shane's voice on the page grabbed me from the first chapter, squeezed tight, and didn't let go. I couldn't put the book down. It was a fun, fast read that had me 1-click ordering Agnes and The Hitman when I finished for the inside skinny on the frying pan incident and to meet Agnes, who only gets a cameo in the sequel. Anyway, a super cast of characters that are eclectic and distinct, each playing a part in a zany wedding threatening to turn bloodbath. But hey, this is Two Rivers, and what's a wedding without a few guns, ceremonial swords, blood-red roses, and a monster truck? Enjoyable from start to finish, even better if you get the pop culture references. Highly recommend!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as the first... sometimes better!

I have adored Agnes and the Hitman for years. I have recently come upon this sequel and thought it would be awesome to read. I was soooo wrong; It was one of the best books I've read in a long long time. Shane is Shane and Agnes is Agnes and it's really nice to see them here and know that life goes on in Keyes. But the picture gets bigger. We meet Phoebe who is a tour de force. Her introduction is a knife blade entering a cut. Her personality is the same with many, many sharp edges. The wedding at Two Rivers is very unexpected and, of course, does not go to plan. Many adventures ensue and all our regular team members have a part, with Carpenter coming in at the end to save the ecclesiastical day as usual. This was so much fun! Thank you! Thank you! thank you!

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agnes and the Hitman is one of my favorite books, so I was thrilled to see a sort of sequel so many years later (although by only one of the co-authors). While most the characters except Agnes are here it just didn't keep my interest as I found myself putting it down many times.

What I enjoyed:
* Nice catching up with some of the characters, although I was disappointed Shane didn't keep his promise to leave the life and that Carpenter basically broke Lisa's heart

What could have been better:
* Having Agnes
* I didn't really care about the new characters as they didn't really give me any reason to
* Not sure if it was the plot or pacing but the book was easy to put down many times

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd been following the ARGH blog discussions between Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer as he plotted out his sequel to their co-written Agnes and the Hitman, one of my favorite books. The premise of a 'red wedding' at Two Rivers intrigued. When I saw the finished product for sale, I snapped it up.

I whipped through this fast-paced, twisty suspense, enjoying Shane's "Rules" and the clever references plus snarky dialogue. While it's not a romantic comedy with suspense, it's still a comedy, of sorts, something on the order of "The Whole Nine Yards" with bodies piling up amid absurd situations, quirky characters, and unlikely alliances. Even without the romance, this is a fun read, and a great way to revisit some favorite fictional territory.

[Regan Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continuation of the story from Agnes and the Hitman a collaboration with Jennifer Cruise. I recommend you read that one first because many of the characters from that book make an appearance or are referenced. This fast-paced story introduces a new character, Phoebe, and more information about the Organization. One of my favorite characters from Agnes and the Hitman, Carpenter is now the head of the Organization. We have an arms deal gone wrong, a Red Wedding, and trying to find his footing in the new job. This book still has some witty banter from the first one but sets the tone and writing style for the next book, which I have already finished and liked.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Agnes and the Hitman (definitely read, don't listen) so I thought I'd try this series. Agnes is not in this book and a few of the couples at the end of the last book are no longer couples in this book so a lot of that book is undone. If you are looking for a continuation of that book this book is ... fine. If you aren't expecting it to be a sequel, it's going to ge more enjoyable.
Agnes is on trip even though she's set up the wedding of leaders from another country. A very small country. And, of course, there are going to be dramatics that play into Shane's strengths. And those of the scrappy new comer to The Organization, Phoebe.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh your sox off!
Almost everyone is back from the last wedding and murders in AGNES AND THE HITMAN: Uncle Joey, Lisa Livia, Detective Hammond, Three Wheels, Rhett, and especially Shane and Carpenter. Now there are some new characters (who certainly are!). Agnes is still writing her column and catering weddings but this time she is off and away to Paris for awards and stuff, so the rest of the gang is on their own. The wedding mess this time is the royalty of a miniscule European country, and yes, it does have a body count!

[Stonemagpie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you wanted more of Agnes in this sequel to Agnes and the Hitman this book is not for you.

It's really bizarre, like one of those Marvel tie-in shows where they keep referencing the Avengers but never have them in it.

A large chunk of the plot takes place at Agnes' house with the cast of the previous book. Shane, Carpenter, Garth, Joey, Lisa Livia and Rhett the dog all feature. Even the florist and the detective. But no Agnes. Our characters have a binder full of instructions and a fridge full of food she left them but she has one line in the entire book.

[Leigh UK]

How long do we have yo wait for Bk3?

Bk2 was awesome but man, did I miss Agnes. Phoebe is epic! The whole cast list draws you in. The plot keeps upu hooked and desperate to know what happens next, but what really sells this series for me is the humour and the laughs. I read the teaser for Bk3, and I'm already hooked, but please, I beg, for my racing heart, please keep the laughs. I'm reading for escape. Without the laughs, I might as well just deep dive into the news and depress myself.

[June · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jennifer Crusie writes great romance. The type that you like the couple (H& h) with all their flaws and shortcoming. So Agnes and Shane were good, and previous book was a good Romantic suspense. Great romance and ok suspense.

Then Bob Mayer is not a romance writer at all. In his portion of the book, the H or h are always missing. He just does not want to write a couple book. And so here we are reading a suspense that is not very high in the suspense books to start with. And the nice relationship that was build in the previous book just disappears in Paris.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Tom Clancy etc you’ll like this one. And we get to revisit Two Rivers and Joey and of course Shane and a bit of Agnes who flies out to Paris for a cooking event at the start of the story and returns at the end. It works. It’s an action tale set mostly at a South Carolina wedding venue and it’s an adventure. I enjoyed it a lot and can’t wait for the next book following the Hitwoman of the title. Phoebe is great.

[Kerrie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun fun book!

This is a fun story that continues with characters from Agnes and the Hitman, a story co-written by the author and Jennifer Crusie, which is one of my all-time favorite books. In this book Agnes has gone to Paris and Shane has to step up to handle the wedding scheduled to be held at Two Rivers. Much mayhem and fun occurs.We are introduced to Phoebe , a hit woman worthy of the name. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Elizabeth Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weddings Can Be Murder BUT Fun with Hitwomen

Agnes and the Hitman is in my all time top 5 favorite books. I have long waited for a followup. Thank you for writing it. The story was compelling and kept my interest but have to say I missed Agnes. I was surprised by some of the supporting character directions. Can’t wait to hear more from Phoebe and hopefully the rest of the Two Rivers Crew.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stuff IMO. I have read nearly all of Mayer's books, mostly sci-fi and thrillers. Shane and the Hitwoman is more of a romance, something Mayer has done under a pen name for a lot of his career. When I say romance, I mean the style of writing and character interaction - there isn't actually a lot of direct romance in it.

But it all works and for me the book is strong five stars despite technically not being a genre I normally read. Well done.

[VEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Blood River stars!

Another great read. Full of humour, wit, and strange interconnection crime mystery! missed Agnes' fun energy in this one, but having Shane, Lisa Livia, Joey and Garth all helping to cover the wedding weekend in Agnes' absence, provides all the great witty entertainment. Add to this the introduction of the tiny but enigmatic Phoebe who helps save the day, with as minimum blood splatter as possible.

Looking forward to book 3!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is first Bob Mayer (without Jennifer Crusie) book I have read. Surprisingly I really enjoyed it. I loved Agnes and the Hitman and was not disappointed with this even though Agnes was not really in the story. Shane was there and all the usual characters as well as new addition of Phoebe, a co-worker of Shane's who is a petite, bad-ass assassin. She is very likeable and the book is funny, dry humor with a lot of action.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missed Agnus, but,

It was a great read. The rest of the crew was there, it had a great plot and it pretty much went together as well as "Agnus and the Hitman". I borrowed this on Kindle, but I will be purchasing a copy for myself. Looking forward to Phobe's story. If it is as good as the others, I will be purchasing also

[Karen Keyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done, I enjoyed it very much. Mayer does not have quite the same deft comic touch as Jennifer Crusie, with whom he co-wrote the prequel to this book but he very wisely did not try to imitate it either. This book plays to his strengths and consequently, the military inspired action/adventure was spot on. I am moving right on to Phoebe and the Traitor.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved getting more from the Agnes and Shane world. Lisa Livia was perfection in this book, and I NEED more of Phoebe's unique personality. There wasn't as much humor in this book as I was hoping after so many rereads of Agnes and the Hitman, but it for sure had the action I expected, plus so much of what I would consider found family, which I love. Definitely looking forward to the next book.