Retired CEO, Devoted family man, Cold Blooded Killer
Ishmael Dollah is a loving husband and retired executive. Having climbed the corporate ladder and conquered the C-Suite, Ish feels as if something is missing from his life. When he accompanies his daughter-in-law to a company function, he is exposed to a bit of office gossip that involves Mariana and her boss Greg. Never one to jump to conclusions, Ishmael sets out to first verify if the coworker’s claims are true. When the suspicions seem to be confirmed, the plan switches to elimination of the threat to his son’s marriage. Calling on his prior corporate training, Ish meticulously sets forth a framework to execute his plan. But when wrinkles begin to appear in his strategy, he must do what all good CEOS do…. Pivot. Dodging various human hurdles including his astute wife Nysa, and a nosey acquaintance can Ish get away with the perfect murder and put his family back in order?
Sixty is the New Assassin is the first in a series of books by author Shesh. As a retired CEO himself, it feels as if Shesh may have modeled some of the characters in his book after his real life. Ishmael is an immediately likeable character and shares a bond with Nysa, his wife of thirty years that is endearing and obvious. Their son Shahed and daughter-in-law Mariana round out this tight knit family. When the harmony of their life is threatened, Ish knows he will stop at nothing to protect his family. While his methods are quite unconventional, this makes for a fun and highly amusing look into the life of a would-be assassin. I liked the author’s use of switching perspectives during the interludes and segues that are interspersed. This was a great way to give the reader a small break in the action while also getting the viewpoint of some of the other characters in the book. The author’s use of existing locales in and around Singapore was also a great touch as I found myself looking up certain locations to give myself a better feel for the setting and more clearly picture the action.
Sixty is the New Assassin is the first in a series of books focused on Ishmael and his unexpected retirement career as a budding assassin and I feel this was a strong start. Shesh has created a main character as loveable as he is deadly with a precious family he would do literally anything to keep safe. Toss in a smarmy boss, an opportunistic bystander, and a mysterious protector and there are enough twists to keep the reader guessing. This book had me reading late into the night, confused at points but overall satisfied with the entire experience. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series to see where Ishmael’s newfound abilities take him.
If you like fun, quirky stories with likeable characters and unconventional plot twists Sixty is the New Assassin is an easy read that will not disappoint.
Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this title by the author or their authorized agent, however, have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
Jennly Reads 