The Killer (Victor the Assassin Book 1)

It has the comfort associated with formulaic thrillers. There is no original characterization, but its oddly pleasant to spot all the sewn together character traits of more famous characters from movies, books and video games. Heck, he even threw in Kojak's lollipop.

Still, the action scenes are well written and choreographed. I could follow them without losing track of what was going on, which is often a problem. And while the backstory was so predictable that I literally skipped most of those chapters and didn't lose any important plot point, I did like the chapters with the assassin. So it's got that going for it.

Great book, gets you involved right from the beginning and doesn't let you go until the last sentence. I would take half a star off because some of the characters lacked development, I felt like I needed to know more about some of them, but extremely good for a freshman effort. The story line is wide open for subsequent novels. Like Lee Child or Barry Eisler, if Hinshelwood (the author) stays with it, he'll have quite a successful series on his hands. Can't wait for his next book.

This book has become one of my all time favorites! Victor's character and thought process is unprecedented. It starts off at a fast pace and never really slows down. The story begins with Victor killing someone he was hired to and taking the package from the victim. Then he heads back to his hotel only to find a team of paid assassins waiting to ambush him. But Victor is too smart and quick for them. And it continues throughout the book with numerous assassins trying to kill him and Victor staying one step ahead as he runs for his life. I read this in one sitting and loved it so much I read it again. I have read all of Woods' Victor books except for the ones that it appears are only offered in Europe right now. Can't wait for those! If you like action and a lone wolf "hero" you will not be disappointed with Victor! Rivals Jack Reacher and I'm a huge Reacher fan! Great first book by author Woods.

This is a great start! A really well-written, fun book, on a par with Forsythe or Silva. I hope its the start of a series. This is a great new talent. Victor makes John Clark, Gabriel Allon and Bob Lee Swagger look like softies...download this book and thank me later.

I normally don't leave reviews but felt compelled to do so in this case. Plotting feels genuine, story keeps our interest right through the end. Nothing feels artificial or made-up, the book flows smoothly from one scene to another. I look forward to more books from this author - I am already a fan.

Tom Hinshelwoods first novel is a great read. Most first time novelists approach to writing is sorta of ho-hum, but this one delivers a punch that keeps you on edge until the end. The ending was a little predictable but a new character has been born and I can't wait to read more from this author. You actually cheer for the bad guy.

Great book but I had already read it -- American Edition. This is the same book as the Killer. Only difference is the Hunter is the English edition. I'll be more careful in the future and read all te reviews.