The Retired Assassin's Guide to Amateur Theatrics (Retired Assassin's Guide #3) Book Review and Summary
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Thomas Wright - 26 Aug, 2026 01:35
Author: Naomi Kuttner
Page Count: Unknown
Publication Date: Expected publication 2026 APL
The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Amateur Theatrics, Naomi Kuttner’s latest offering, promises to be a thrilling ride. And I’m not just saying that because I’ve had to referee a dozen arguments over whose turn it is to empty the dishwasher this week alone. As I delve into the world of retired assassins and amateur theatrics, I find myself wondering: what lies at the heart of this peculiar tale?
Let’s assume for a second this actually works. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read about a retired assassin trying their hand at amateur theatrics? It’s like a trainwreck you can’t look away from – a beautiful, messy collision of two worlds that shouldn’t coexist. But, as I ponder the synopsis, I’m struck by its vagueness. We’re given a tantalizing glimpse into the world of the retired assassin, but what about the theatrics? What kind of amateur theatrics are we talking about here? Is it a community theater production of The Importance of Being Earnest, or something far more sinister?
I’m reminded of Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series, where the boundaries between reality and fiction are constantly blurred. Could Kuttner be attempting something similar? The idea of a retired assassin navigating the world of amateur theatrics raises questions about identity, performance, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. It’s a tantalizing prospect, and one that I’m eager to explore further.
But, I digress. As I sit here, nursing my broken heart and wondering what could have been, I find myself drawn to the themes of identity and performance that seem to be at the heart of this novel. It’s a clever move, really – using the world of amateur theatrics as a lens through which to examine the complexities of identity. And what better way to explore those complexities than through the eyes of a retired assassin, someone who has spent their entire career playing different roles and assuming different identities?
As I think about it, I’m struck by the similarities between this novel and the works of Gillian Flynn. Like Flynn, Kuttner seems to be using the tropes of the thriller genre to explore deeper themes and questions about identity and performance. It’s a bold move, and one that I’m eager to see play out.
But, I must admit, I’m a bit skeptical. Can Kuttner really pull off this unique blend of thriller and comedy? Or will it fall flat, like so many other attempts at genre-bending? Only time will tell, I suppose.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go mediate an argument over whose turn it is to empty the dishwasher. Again. #amateurtheatrics #retiredassassin #identitycrisis
