Hostile Takeover

May 25, 2015
When newlywed hit man John Lago and his former nemesis, Alice, cap their bespoke Manhattan nuptials by bumping off
their boss at Human Resources Inc.—a boutique contract assassination firm with the genius MO of getting killers close to otherwise inaccessible targets by placing them as interns—the couple expect some blowback. But nothing even their exquisitely twisted imaginations can conjure comes remotely close to the smoke and mirrors scenario that unfolds in this sardonically funny and psychologically astute sequel to Kuhn’s debut, 2014’s The Intern’s Handbook. Nor does anything prepare the sizzling hot duo, now partnering uneasily as co-CEOs of the thriving HR Inc., for the marathon mayhem that ensues once their bone-deep distrust turns them back into each other’s deadliest enemies. Though character soon takes a back seat to the inspired multiplex-ready execution scenarios of the bullet-train plot, readers ready for a cartoonishly enjoyable adventure shouldn’t mind a bit. Agent: Hannah Brown Gordon, Foundry Literary + Media.

John Lago is a relentless trained assassin. At least, he was before he married his chief rival, Alice. Narrator Pete Simonelli gives this macho character a gritty, steady voice that is both believable and compelling. His deep, rich baritone drives the story forward and works well for both the action and sex scenes. Listeners are carried along a fast-paced journey of love, betrayal, and violence. Simonelli demonstrates particular versatility in his characterization of Alice, who comes across as reasonable, passionate--and deadly. Her rational likability is a feat for a male narrator. Listeners who enjoy thrillers will find much to enjoy in this tense romantic caper. M.R. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Starred review from May 15, 2015
Master assassin John Lago, introduced in Kuhn's bombshell debut, The Intern's Handbook (2014), is in even finer form in this explosive follow-up. Now a captive of the FBI, Lago recounts tracking down Alice, who's both his nemesis (she keeps trying to kill him) and the love of his life. He proposes, they wedwearing handmade togs by Vera Wang and Tom Fordand his wedding gift is an exquisitely planned massacre providing the extremely hostile takeover of Human Resources, Inc., their former employer. But bliss never lasts. Alice works freelance, John within an organization. He's concerned that an unknown puppet master really controls HR (which provides young assassins masquerading as virtually invisible interns to take down targets), while she worries about an FBI mole. Will the course of true love for these totally disconnected psychopaths run smooth? The ridewith a side trip to Mexico, where Lago is honed into an even more effective killing machineis suspenseful, bloody, and eminently entertaining. Kuhn can spin a fine phrase (a cold day, he says, is like Flannery O'Connor's last breathraw and as hard as the hammer of divine retribution ), and his smart, witty prose carries the day in this masterfully plotted mayhem with more than a touch of wry.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)