Review by Sadonna

TITLE:  The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes

SERIES:  The Hitman’s Guide

AUTHOR:  Alice Winters

NARRATOR:  Michael Ferraiuolo

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  10 hours and 28 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  April 20, 2020

BLURB:

Jackson

Now that Leland’s decided to give up his life as a hitman and take a walk on the mild side, we’ve been enjoying a simple life of taking down bad guys the legal way. I didn’t know he would be just as reckless as a PI, but it’s not my fault if I happen to enjoy helping him hunt down the occasional criminal. If only I could keep the house from being overrun by Leland’s gun shrine – or stop him from making our cases “more exciting” by terrorizing people into confessing. Overall, life seems perfect, right?

Wrong.

We’ve been called in to investigate a suspicious murder committed by someone claiming to be the Sandman. When we find a note on the victim’s body, we realize that this could ruin our lives forever.

Leland:

I wasn’t involved in the murder. It might look like my writing and my note, but I wouldn’t do that to Jackson -especially after I promised him that I wouldn’t take a hit ever again. At least, not without telling him. I’m finally starting to learn that we’re stronger together, and I’m not going to jeopardize that.

Luckily for both of us, this copycat doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. Game’s on, fake Sandman. You think you can mess with me? Well, maybe you can, but that’s beside the point, because I will protect Jackson no matter what, even if I almost drown him in the process. (Really, that wasn’t my fault. He should learn how to swim better.)

This audiobook contains: Disco ball piñata, camping with Sasquatch, an acrobatic housekeeper named “Mr. Cleanyface”, a questionable massage table, weapons everywhere, Jackson’s nemesis – the fence, a turkey showdown, aerial silk antics, a reappearance of Blow-up Randy, over-the-top body armor, too many hitmen, and so many emotions that Leland’s chest might explode. This is the second book in a series – while you could listen and enjoy it on its own, you really should listen to The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love for maximum enjoyment.

REVIEW:

Note:  This is Book 2 in the series and really is best enjoyed having listened to Book 1 prior to this new adventure.  There are major spoilers for Book 1 in this latest installment.

Leland and Jackson are back!  Leland is now working with Jackson and Mason in the PI Agency.  Once again, the opening scene of Leland pursuing a adulterous target, forcing him to confess.  His “methods” draw some concerned citizens and eventually their favorite police officer – not Henry.  Jackson tries terribly hard to be serious, but of course Leland’s methods are very entertaining 😉  Jackson is very happy in his new life with Leland.  Leland and Mason drive Jackson a bit crazy with their antics, but he’s never been happier.

Unfortunately Leland’s talents do not include housekeeping.  Jackson can’t believe what a mess their new house is – with two exceptions.  Leland’s gun shrine and the sex dungeon 😉  He places an ad for a housekeeper and the person he selects has few actual housekeeping qualifications (like he doesn’t know how to use Windex) but he’s very flexible and teaches Leland how to use acrobatic silks – with some very humorous results for Jackson and Leland.

At the same time, there is a murder that appears to be a copycat Sandman. He leaves a note that seems to be the same handwriting as Leland’s.  Henry of course has to ask, but this is NOT Leland’s work.  The race is on to find the copycat. Jackson and Leland help with the case with a new task force after Henry’s request. It seems that Leland’s past is not QUITE as buried as everyone had hoped.  And Leland is torn between leaving Jackson to keep him safe or staying and fighting together.

I can’t talk more about the plot without giving major spoilers.  Let’s just say there are SOOOO many things to consider – including Jackson’s family and friends.  And Leland’s sanity and peace of mind are also at stake here.  The way the whole thing works out is once again a wild ride.

Oh. My. God.  I think I loved this one ever MORE than the first one.  Leland is just hysterical.  The way he loves to yank Jackson’s chain. The way he and Mason are unrelenting in their torture of Jackson at the office. His hilarious ribbing of Henry.  It’s all over the top and hilarious.  Jackson absolute loves Leland though and won’t ever let him go.  it’s just a real love story of two opposites.  So many funny moments – from the dungeon to the guns to the escapes to the video.  The new characters add to the story to – particularly Castle, aka Mr. Cleanyface.   Once again Michael Ferraiuolo is brilliant in his narration.  Highly recommended.  A fantastic, fun, action-packed escape story that I know I listen to again and again.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

Audible