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Assassins #4
Отель убийц
ПРОДОЛЖЕНИЕ МИРОВОГО БЕСТСЕЛЛЕРА ?ПОЕЗД УБИЙЦ?.
КУЛЬТОВЫЙ ТРИЛЛЕР В ЯПОНИИ.
Про ?Винтон Палас? говорят так: ?Это отель, в котором не захочется умирать?. И правда: кому придет в голову мысль о смерти посреди такой роскоши и комфорта? Но люди, пришедшие сегодня в отель каждый по своему делу, — высококлассные наемные убийцы. Так что умереть кому-то все равно придется…
Нанао, или Божья Коровка, — самый невезучий из всех профессионалов. После жутких событий в ?Поезде убийц? Нанао берется только за самые простые заказы. Вот и сейчас ему нужно всего лишь доставить постояльцу отеля рисунок его дочери. Но — невезение… Он попадает не в тот номер. А там очень, очень опасный человек…
Ткань — пара наемных убийц, работающих под горничных. Эти женщины в одно мгновение заматывают свою жертву в простыни, а потом ломают ей шею. В этом отеле у них особое задание…
Шестерка — группа убийц, работающих с духовыми трубками фуки-я. Стрелы, вылетающие из них, могут усыпить, парализовать, умертвить. Практически никому не спастись от этих шестерых, особенно если заказ имеет особую важность. Вот как сегодня…
По невероятному стечению обстоятельств все эти люди, а также их жертвы, пересекаются в стенах отеля. Но совсем не так, как планировал каждый из них. И всем им, конечно, не хочется здесь умирать. Им хочется выжить…
КУЛЬТОВЫЙ ТРИЛЛЕР В ЯПОНИИ.
Про ?Винтон Палас? говорят так: ?Это отель, в котором не захочется умирать?. И правда: кому придет в голову мысль о смерти посреди такой роскоши и комфорта? Но люди, пришедшие сегодня в отель каждый по своему делу, — высококлассные наемные убийцы. Так что умереть кому-то все равно придется…
Нанао, или Божья Коровка, — самый невезучий из всех профессионалов. После жутких событий в ?Поезде убийц? Нанао берется только за самые простые заказы. Вот и сейчас ему нужно всего лишь доставить постояльцу отеля рисунок его дочери. Но — невезение… Он попадает не в тот номер. А там очень, очень опасный человек…
Ткань — пара наемных убийц, работающих под горничных. Эти женщины в одно мгновение заматывают свою жертву в простыни, а потом ломают ей шею. В этом отеле у них особое задание…
Шестерка — группа убийц, работающих с духовыми трубками фуки-я. Стрелы, вылетающие из них, могут усыпить, парализовать, умертвить. Практически никому не спастись от этих шестерых, особенно если заказ имеет особую важность. Вот как сегодня…
По невероятному стечению обстоятельств все эти люди, а также их жертвы, пересекаются в стенах отеля. Но совсем не так, как планировал каждый из них. И всем им, конечно, не хочется здесь умирать. Им хочется выжить…
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2023
132 people are currently reading
5673 people want to read
About the author
Kōtarō Isaka
124?books665?followersKōtarō Isaka (伊坂幸太郎, Isaka Koutarou) is a Japanese author of mystery fiction.
Isaka was born in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from the law faculty of Tohoku University, he worked as a system engineer. Isaka quit his company job and focused on writing after hearing Kazuyoshi Saito's 1997 song "Kōfuku na Chōshoku Taikutsu na Yūshoku", and the two have collaborated several times. In 2000, Isaka won the Shincho Mystery Club Prize for his debut novel ?dyubon no Inori, after which he became a full-time writer.
In 2002, Isaka's novel Lush Life gained much critical acclaim, but it was his Naoki Prize-nominated work Jūryoku Piero (2003) that brought him popular success. His following work Ahiru to Kamo no Koin Rokkā won the 25th Yoshikawa Eiji Prize for New Writers.
Jūryoku Piero (2003), Children (2004), Grasshopper (2004), Shinigami no Seido (2005) and Sabaku (2006) were all nominated for the Naoki Prize.
Isaka was the only author in Japan to be nominated for the Hon'ya Taishō in each of the award's first four years, finally winning in 2008 with Golden Slumber. The same work also won the 21st Yamamoto Shūgorō Prize.
Isaka was born in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from the law faculty of Tohoku University, he worked as a system engineer. Isaka quit his company job and focused on writing after hearing Kazuyoshi Saito's 1997 song "Kōfuku na Chōshoku Taikutsu na Yūshoku", and the two have collaborated several times. In 2000, Isaka won the Shincho Mystery Club Prize for his debut novel ?dyubon no Inori, after which he became a full-time writer.
In 2002, Isaka's novel Lush Life gained much critical acclaim, but it was his Naoki Prize-nominated work Jūryoku Piero (2003) that brought him popular success. His following work Ahiru to Kamo no Koin Rokkā won the 25th Yoshikawa Eiji Prize for New Writers.
Jūryoku Piero (2003), Children (2004), Grasshopper (2004), Shinigami no Seido (2005) and Sabaku (2006) were all nominated for the Naoki Prize.
Isaka was the only author in Japan to be nominated for the Hon'ya Taishō in each of the award's first four years, finally winning in 2008 with Golden Slumber. The same work also won the 21st Yamamoto Shūgorō Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
November 24, 2024
I enjoyed this latest instalment of the Assassins series much more than the third even though, at times, I did get a bit confused with the characters.
I listened to the audio version, which was well narrated by Pun Bandhu. Bandhu has a nice relaxed delivery even when the action becomes slightly crazy. He had good delineation between characters without resorting to "doing" voices.
The story this time sees Ladybug delivering a birthday present - nice and simple right? Of course it never is when Ladybug is involved. Unfortunately he finds himself caught up in a complex operation where a woman with an eidetic memory is being chased by 6 sadistic assassins who need to bring her to their client intact. It's certainly not what they are used to. They'd much rather do horrific things to anyone who gets in their way.
Add to this cast of characters a politician and his sidekick who were part of the first in this series, an old lady called Koko who is an expert hacker, two "cleaners" called Pillow and Blanket, several other assassins, numerous helpful hotel employees and one or two purely innocent bystanders - all chasing each other round a hotel and you've got the perfect crazy story.
Loved it. Highly recommended whether you've read the other books or not. Funny and clever with one or two twists to keep you guessing. You have to feel sorry for Ladybug.
Thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for the audio advance review copy. Most appreciated.
I listened to the audio version, which was well narrated by Pun Bandhu. Bandhu has a nice relaxed delivery even when the action becomes slightly crazy. He had good delineation between characters without resorting to "doing" voices.
The story this time sees Ladybug delivering a birthday present - nice and simple right? Of course it never is when Ladybug is involved. Unfortunately he finds himself caught up in a complex operation where a woman with an eidetic memory is being chased by 6 sadistic assassins who need to bring her to their client intact. It's certainly not what they are used to. They'd much rather do horrific things to anyone who gets in their way.
Add to this cast of characters a politician and his sidekick who were part of the first in this series, an old lady called Koko who is an expert hacker, two "cleaners" called Pillow and Blanket, several other assassins, numerous helpful hotel employees and one or two purely innocent bystanders - all chasing each other round a hotel and you've got the perfect crazy story.
Loved it. Highly recommended whether you've read the other books or not. Funny and clever with one or two twists to keep you guessing. You have to feel sorry for Ladybug.
Thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for the audio advance review copy. Most appreciated.
November 30, 2024
Narrated by Pun Bandhu
Presented by RB Media
I liked this so much I finally bought the first book in the series haha.
Following on from Bullet Train, this sees our unlucky Ladybug delivering a painting to a hotel. Naturally, things go awry and dead bodies begin to accumulate.
The audio was an interesting treat, though I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I'd read it physically. The narrator did a decent job, but there are only so many ways you can change your voice to represent different characters, and so a lot started sounding the same. Particularly Pillow and Blanket - men doing female voices always sound a little too odd for me and these two were indistinguishable. I'd love the experience of creating my own ideas of each character in my head, so I'd love to re-read it with a physical copy.
There's also so much action that the details become important, and I'm not as good at absorbing details in audiobooks (usually because I'm multi-tasking). So as much as I really enjoyed listening to the story play out, I think there'd be even more enjoyment to be had slowing down and re-reading the sentences that get really hectic!
The story itself is the same kind of crazy/insane that Bullet Train was, which was thoroughly enjoyable. I really love this series with its unique characters and wild occurrences!
In terms of reading order, this does make several references to the events of Bullet Train which could be considered spoilers, so I'd read that before tackling this. But certainly if you enjoyed that one, this will be no different for you.
Highly recommend this series for people looking for a unique crime/thriller with comedic elements. I'm very much looking forward to going back to the beginning!
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Presented by RB Media
I liked this so much I finally bought the first book in the series haha.
Following on from Bullet Train, this sees our unlucky Ladybug delivering a painting to a hotel. Naturally, things go awry and dead bodies begin to accumulate.
The audio was an interesting treat, though I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I'd read it physically. The narrator did a decent job, but there are only so many ways you can change your voice to represent different characters, and so a lot started sounding the same. Particularly Pillow and Blanket - men doing female voices always sound a little too odd for me and these two were indistinguishable. I'd love the experience of creating my own ideas of each character in my head, so I'd love to re-read it with a physical copy.
There's also so much action that the details become important, and I'm not as good at absorbing details in audiobooks (usually because I'm multi-tasking). So as much as I really enjoyed listening to the story play out, I think there'd be even more enjoyment to be had slowing down and re-reading the sentences that get really hectic!
The story itself is the same kind of crazy/insane that Bullet Train was, which was thoroughly enjoyable. I really love this series with its unique characters and wild occurrences!
In terms of reading order, this does make several references to the events of Bullet Train which could be considered spoilers, so I'd read that before tackling this. But certainly if you enjoyed that one, this will be no different for you.
Highly recommend this series for people looking for a unique crime/thriller with comedic elements. I'm very much looking forward to going back to the beginning!
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
December 8, 2024
Welcome to the fourth book of the assassins series by Kotaro Isaka in which once again chaos rules for the reader until he/she find the logic of the story.
The whole book turns around one Kamino the assistant of one assassins boss whose on the run from her boss. She is hunted by a group of assassins who go by the name the Six, protected by a couple of other professionals called Cola & Soda. And then there is the unlucky Ladybug who, unlike his adventure in the novel "Bullet Train" has a whole peacefull reason to be in the hotel Winton. But with his arrival chaos starts and an amazing story with some twists thrown in for good measure are the result.
This book is best read in one sitting and is highly original and more fun than QT ever came up in his movies. Anyhow the four books in this series are all very good value for your money and the writer more than delivers and does in this latest novel.
Glad to have found and read this book, which like the previous books is grim and a hoot and a half.
The whole book turns around one Kamino the assistant of one assassins boss whose on the run from her boss. She is hunted by a group of assassins who go by the name the Six, protected by a couple of other professionals called Cola & Soda. And then there is the unlucky Ladybug who, unlike his adventure in the novel "Bullet Train" has a whole peacefull reason to be in the hotel Winton. But with his arrival chaos starts and an amazing story with some twists thrown in for good measure are the result.
This book is best read in one sitting and is highly original and more fun than QT ever came up in his movies. Anyhow the four books in this series are all very good value for your money and the writer more than delivers and does in this latest novel.
Glad to have found and read this book, which like the previous books is grim and a hoot and a half.
September 22, 2024
3.5 stars. The moment I started reading this book and encountered two women dressed as hotel maids named Blanket and Pillow I knew I was back in an Isaka thriller. Once again he creates a multi-plot assassin caper that has many of Bullet Train's pleasures. It is not quite as complex and not as grounded in character (there will never be another pair like Lemon and Tangerine!), but it's not a bad thing to have a somewhat lighter version that's a breezier read.
Once again it's darkly funny, bizarrely violent (blow guns! sheets as murder weapon!), and our friend Lady Bird just can't get a lucky break.
Keep the Isaka coming! No misses so far.
Once again it's darkly funny, bizarrely violent (blow guns! sheets as murder weapon!), and our friend Lady Bird just can't get a lucky break.
Keep the Isaka coming! No misses so far.
April 30, 2025
Another highly enjoyable comedy-of-errors entry in Isaka's "Assassins" universe, this one a direct sequel to his most famous , (and as such would make a great Brad Pitt sequel to that movie as well). Unlike the earlier books, this one does away with the mildly annoying fixation on bugs or stickers or Thomas the Tank Engine, although as in the previous books continues to introduce us to several new uniquely-named (and skilled) teams of assassins — Blanket and Pillow, Cola and Soda, and "the Six," all of whom are named after periods in Japan's feudal history.
Really a solid 4.5 stars, but rounding down simply because it didn't quite live up to Isaka's , first in this series and still (IMHO) the best. A rock-solid recommendation, as is the series as a whole, which with its mixture of clever plotting, gratuitous violence, and offbeat humor is almost starting to remind me of a Japanese "Slow Horses."
Really a solid 4.5 stars, but rounding down simply because it didn't quite live up to Isaka's , first in this series and still (IMHO) the best. A rock-solid recommendation, as is the series as a whole, which with its mixture of clever plotting, gratuitous violence, and offbeat humor is almost starting to remind me of a Japanese "Slow Horses."
May 10, 2025
????! ?????! ???! as always!
?????????????????????????? (???????????????) ????????????????? (????????????????) ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (???????????????) ?????????????????????????? (? ??????????????) ??????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????? ???????????????????? bullet train ??????? (?????) (???????) ??????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? setting ????? ?????????????? ??? ?????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????????????? 55555 ????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ?????????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??? "??????" ?????? ???????????????????????? ???????? ????????????? mvp ??????????????????????? ???????????
?????????????????????????? (???????????????) ????????????????? (????????????????) ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (???????????????) ?????????????????????????? (? ??????????????) ??????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????? ???????????????????? bullet train ??????? (?????) (???????) ??????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? setting ????? ?????????????? ??? ?????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????????????? 55555 ????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ?????????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??? "??????" ?????? ???????????????????????? ???????? ????????????? mvp ??????????????????????? ???????????
December 29, 2024
Kōtarō Isaka’s Hotel Lucky Seven is a chaotic and bizarre trip through a luxury Tokyo hotel, with the world's most hapless assassin, Nanao—aka Ladybug—at its chaotic center. Following his misadventures in Bullet Train, Nanao returns for what should be a simple job: deliver a painting to a hotel guest. But when the guest turns out to be an imposter, things go sideways in spectacular fashion, leaving Nanao tangled in yet another deadly web of miscommunication, deception, and murder.
Isaka does what he does best--turn simplicity into chaos. The hotel’s halls become a battlefield for an unusual cast of characters, each with their own agendas—none of which align neatly with Nanao’s. There’s a mysterious woman with an uncanny memory, a pair of bumbling assassins who might be out of their depth, and plenty of others who each add layers to the chaos. Isaka doesn’t just rely on humor or violence—he melds the two into a darkly funny, sharp, and sometimes shockingly absurd narrative.
Nanao remains the center point. As an assassin, he’s as unlucky as ever, and his combination of self-deprecation, clumsiness, and resilience makes him endearing. His inner monologue adds humor and relatability to his adventure. The supporting cast is equally vivid; every character feels like they have a life of their own, with motivations and quirks that keep the story lively and unpredictable.
The pacing is relentless. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the story, Isaka throws another curveball, upping the stakes and the absurdity. It’s part thriller, part comedy, and completely captivating. And if you’re a fan of multi-plot narratives, this book has that in spades. Threads weave in and out, overlapping in clever and unexpected ways, all without feeling convoluted.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Pun Bandhu, whose measured delivery adds a sly layer of contrast to the escalating mayhem. Bandhu easily navigates the tonal shifts, giving each character enough individuality without veering into caricature. His performance complements the novel’s quirky vibe, making it easy to immerse yourself in the action.
If you’re looking for a darkly funny, action-packed read that’s equal parts smart and absurd, Hotel Lucky Seven gets the job done. Isaka continues to carve out a niche for wildly unconventional thrillers, and I can’t wait to see where Nanao’s misfortunes take him next. I highly recommend this to fans of crime fiction with a comedic twist!
Thanks to RBmedia for the advanced copy.
Isaka does what he does best--turn simplicity into chaos. The hotel’s halls become a battlefield for an unusual cast of characters, each with their own agendas—none of which align neatly with Nanao’s. There’s a mysterious woman with an uncanny memory, a pair of bumbling assassins who might be out of their depth, and plenty of others who each add layers to the chaos. Isaka doesn’t just rely on humor or violence—he melds the two into a darkly funny, sharp, and sometimes shockingly absurd narrative.
Nanao remains the center point. As an assassin, he’s as unlucky as ever, and his combination of self-deprecation, clumsiness, and resilience makes him endearing. His inner monologue adds humor and relatability to his adventure. The supporting cast is equally vivid; every character feels like they have a life of their own, with motivations and quirks that keep the story lively and unpredictable.
The pacing is relentless. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the story, Isaka throws another curveball, upping the stakes and the absurdity. It’s part thriller, part comedy, and completely captivating. And if you’re a fan of multi-plot narratives, this book has that in spades. Threads weave in and out, overlapping in clever and unexpected ways, all without feeling convoluted.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Pun Bandhu, whose measured delivery adds a sly layer of contrast to the escalating mayhem. Bandhu easily navigates the tonal shifts, giving each character enough individuality without veering into caricature. His performance complements the novel’s quirky vibe, making it easy to immerse yourself in the action.
If you’re looking for a darkly funny, action-packed read that’s equal parts smart and absurd, Hotel Lucky Seven gets the job done. Isaka continues to carve out a niche for wildly unconventional thrillers, and I can’t wait to see where Nanao’s misfortunes take him next. I highly recommend this to fans of crime fiction with a comedic twist!
Thanks to RBmedia for the advanced copy.
November 27, 2024
A bunch of assassins chase each other around a hotel. This is the fourth book of the series that I have read. The only one that I really liked was “Bullet Train”. I thought that this book had too many uninteresting characters and an extremely convoluted plot. I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
February 26, 2025
Hotel Lucky Seven is the latest installment in Kotaro Isaka's Three Assassins series, and like its predecessors, it is fantastic. Isaka has crafted a unique world in Japan where assassins and villains dominate, making anyone who is not a minority. Ladybug, the world's unluckiest assassin, is back and only needs to deliver a painting to a guest at a local hotel. Easy-peasy. Maybe for most assassins. Ladybug isn't like most assassins.
I can't express how much I love this series and its quirky charm. "Hotel Lucky Seven" is bizarre, original, and surprisingly heartfelt, especially given the backdrop of its ruthless characters.
Thank you to The Overland Press for providing the galley of "Hotel Lucky Seven" through NetGalley.
I can't express how much I love this series and its quirky charm. "Hotel Lucky Seven" is bizarre, original, and surprisingly heartfelt, especially given the backdrop of its ruthless characters.
Thank you to The Overland Press for providing the galley of "Hotel Lucky Seven" through NetGalley.
May 18, 2025
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??? 777 ??????????????? ??????????????? 4 ???? ????.??????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ??? ????????? ???????????????? ?. ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
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?????????????????? ???????????????????? "?????????????" ??????? ?????????? ???????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????? ????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ???????????????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????? S ?????????????????????????? (?????????????????????????????????????????????????????) ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????? Smokin Aces (2006) ???????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????.?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???? ??????????????????????? ???? ?????????????????? 6 ?? (??????????????? 6 ???????????????????????????? 7 ??????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? 6 ?????) ????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????
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??? 777 ??????????????? ??????????????? 4 ???? ????.??????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ??? ????????? ???????????????? ?. ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
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May 19, 2025
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??????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? 6 ??
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????? ????????????????? ????????? ????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????? pov ??????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????? ????????????????????????
????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ??? ??????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??? ?????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ???
??????????????????????????????????????????????????? Bullet Train ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????? ?????????????????????????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? 6 ??
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????? ????????????????? ????????? ????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????? pov ??????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????? ????????????????????????
????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ??? ??????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??? ?????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ???
??????????????????????????????????????????????????? Bullet Train ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????? ?????????????????????????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
January 29, 2025
Meeting our Ladybird and his handler again in this 4th instalment after that shinkansen incident in book 2. Another simple job (as claimed by Maria) with an odd coincidence for Nanao to be at the exact time and day with other few assassins who were also on the move for their own personal missions at the same Winton Palace Hotel. It tangled so twisty with full of wits narrative told in multiple POVs that were set in different floors and rooms at the hotel. From years ago political incident to one’s dark motivation in catching a prey, Nanao now stuck in between a sudden rescue mission and becoming a target as the hotel turned into a maze-like locked-room and making it too impossible for him to escape.
Loved the characterization the most and how Isaka interlinked their narratives with an engaging backstory for each. I was hooked with both Blanket and Pillow’s chapters for their interactions and dynamics (they remind me much to Lemon and Tangerine from the Bullet Train) as well The Six with their bickerings yet tense POVs. Koko was wicked (give me any old lady with tough cunning character and I would definitely be a fan) and too bad that I did not get much of both Cola and Soda— that scene when Soda said to Nanao he would go to Room 2010 for the card and did not return; I was hopeful, frankly :’//
The action parts moved fast and I liked how intricate both fights and murder scenes were crafted esp on their method of killing. Bit spooked with Yomogi’s chapters and his political mess but I liked how the revelation goes on his part. The tension lured me, too intense nearly the end and loved how Isaka ended the plot with that scene at the hotel restaurant after a year it happened.
One of my fav from the series now and I don’t think I have heard any news about book 5(?) but hopefully Isaka would continue writing about these assassins; honestly I still need more of Ladybird.
“Ladybirds are good luck, they say. They fly toward the sun, taking the divine path to the goddess. That’s why they have seven dots on their back.”
Thank you Pansing Distribution for sending me a copy to review!
Loved the characterization the most and how Isaka interlinked their narratives with an engaging backstory for each. I was hooked with both Blanket and Pillow’s chapters for their interactions and dynamics (they remind me much to Lemon and Tangerine from the Bullet Train) as well The Six with their bickerings yet tense POVs. Koko was wicked (give me any old lady with tough cunning character and I would definitely be a fan) and too bad that I did not get much of both Cola and Soda— that scene when Soda said to Nanao he would go to Room 2010 for the card and did not return; I was hopeful, frankly :’//
The action parts moved fast and I liked how intricate both fights and murder scenes were crafted esp on their method of killing. Bit spooked with Yomogi’s chapters and his political mess but I liked how the revelation goes on his part. The tension lured me, too intense nearly the end and loved how Isaka ended the plot with that scene at the hotel restaurant after a year it happened.
One of my fav from the series now and I don’t think I have heard any news about book 5(?) but hopefully Isaka would continue writing about these assassins; honestly I still need more of Ladybird.
“Ladybirds are good luck, they say. They fly toward the sun, taking the divine path to the goddess. That’s why they have seven dots on their back.”
Thank you Pansing Distribution for sending me a copy to review!
January 6, 2025
So good i stayed up and read almost the whole thing in a day.
I was a little iffy on the new translator; there were definitely places where the dialogue felt jarring or unnatural, and figuring out the pace of the dialogue and who was speaking when was also a bit of a challenge. Nonetheless, I think the book still had the original spirit and voice that makes it so fun to read.
The action was really good, I liked the plot a lot, and I especially loved the new professionals added to the story. I hope this isn't the last book in the series, since it just made me want more.
I was a little iffy on the new translator; there were definitely places where the dialogue felt jarring or unnatural, and figuring out the pace of the dialogue and who was speaking when was also a bit of a challenge. Nonetheless, I think the book still had the original spirit and voice that makes it so fun to read.
The action was really good, I liked the plot a lot, and I especially loved the new professionals added to the story. I hope this isn't the last book in the series, since it just made me want more.
April 10, 2025
為了这本最新的书而把整个杀手系列都看了一次齿顿顿（绝对是很值得）
如同我在第二集的心得所写，我更喜欢这本书的场景设定，感觉饭店楼层更容易想像相对位置。
而且感觉这本书，七尾变得更加可爱了齿顿，其他人都用一些很酷的手法，只有他总是在就地取材用一些小儿科的防御方式，除了很好笑，反而凸显他非常厉害。而且大家更加善用这个「因為超级倒霉，明明做这简单的工作还是会发生一堆事情」设定，非常有趣！
也如同第二集的心得，这本书的结局我是没有这麼这麼喜欢的，不过这也是比较出来的，所以！这本作為续集已经是非常非常好看了！
如同我在第二集的心得所写，我更喜欢这本书的场景设定，感觉饭店楼层更容易想像相对位置。
而且感觉这本书，七尾变得更加可爱了齿顿，其他人都用一些很酷的手法，只有他总是在就地取材用一些小儿科的防御方式，除了很好笑，反而凸显他非常厉害。而且大家更加善用这个「因為超级倒霉，明明做这简单的工作还是会发生一堆事情」设定，非常有趣！
也如同第二集的心得，这本书的结局我是没有这麼这麼喜欢的，不过这也是比较出来的，所以！这本作為续集已经是非常非常好看了！
May 22, 2025
??????? ????????????????????? ???????????????????? ??????????
February 19, 2025
Super fun! Has the same energy and kookiness as the first book but much crisper. Loved the Die Hard-esq element of being in a hotel
I can’t really fault this, it’s not a super stand out but I had a great time
3.75 rounding up to 4 stars
I can’t really fault this, it’s not a super stand out but I had a great time
3.75 rounding up to 4 stars
July 23, 2024
Thank you to ABRAMS and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review!
Ladybug is back! Hotel Lucky Seven by Kotaro Isaka is the newest installment of the Bullet Train series to be translated into English. Although I have read all of the author's works translated into English, I was so excited to hear that Ladybug and Maria would finally be back in this one. The story revolves around Ladybug, the unlucky assassin played by Brad Pitt in the Bullet Train movie. All he has to do this time is to deliver a painting. But unluckily for Ladybug, the simple turns into an adventure full of mistaken identities, assassins, and danger.
Here is an intriguing excerpt from Chapter 1, which is from new character Pillow's point of view:
"'Everything's decided at birth,' murmured Pillow, looking off into the distance after another game spent without even being allowed to fill out the bench. She wasn't actually trying to start a conversation - rather, her innermost thoughts had simply spilled from her lips, and Blanket had been there downstream to catch them. But Blanket knew what Pillow meant. Both of them were conspicuously small-framed, even among the other girls. The taller girls were obviously prized even if they were less athletic, and the smaller girls knew that no matter how hard they trained, they'd hard ever be allowed to play.
'You're right,' said Blanket. 'It's so unfair, isn't it? The advantages some people are both with.'
'You have a pretty face and a good sense of style, and bang: you're on Easy Street. Even school will be fun. Your whole life will be smooth as silk. Makes me sick.'"
Overall, Hotel Lucky Seven is the latest amazing book that will appeal to fans of the Bullet Train movies. One highlight of this book is the humor. That is definitely what sets this book apart from other books about assassins. I found myself giggling in every chapter, which is very difficult for a book about murder to do. If you have a sense of humor, then you definitely won't mind reading this book, which is masterfully written and translated, keeping all humor and jokes intact.
Another highlight of this book is how it is a work of translated, translated from Japanese originally. I really think that there are not enough books being translated from other languages into English. I am so glad to be able to support this book and its author. I will definitely be reading any of the author's other books that are translated into English in the future. They will be at the top of my TBR list. Also, I'm in the mood now to rewatch the amazing Bullet Train movie. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of books about assassins in general, you won't regret checking out this book when it comes out in November!
Ladybug is back! Hotel Lucky Seven by Kotaro Isaka is the newest installment of the Bullet Train series to be translated into English. Although I have read all of the author's works translated into English, I was so excited to hear that Ladybug and Maria would finally be back in this one. The story revolves around Ladybug, the unlucky assassin played by Brad Pitt in the Bullet Train movie. All he has to do this time is to deliver a painting. But unluckily for Ladybug, the simple turns into an adventure full of mistaken identities, assassins, and danger.
Here is an intriguing excerpt from Chapter 1, which is from new character Pillow's point of view:
"'Everything's decided at birth,' murmured Pillow, looking off into the distance after another game spent without even being allowed to fill out the bench. She wasn't actually trying to start a conversation - rather, her innermost thoughts had simply spilled from her lips, and Blanket had been there downstream to catch them. But Blanket knew what Pillow meant. Both of them were conspicuously small-framed, even among the other girls. The taller girls were obviously prized even if they were less athletic, and the smaller girls knew that no matter how hard they trained, they'd hard ever be allowed to play.
'You're right,' said Blanket. 'It's so unfair, isn't it? The advantages some people are both with.'
'You have a pretty face and a good sense of style, and bang: you're on Easy Street. Even school will be fun. Your whole life will be smooth as silk. Makes me sick.'"
Overall, Hotel Lucky Seven is the latest amazing book that will appeal to fans of the Bullet Train movies. One highlight of this book is the humor. That is definitely what sets this book apart from other books about assassins. I found myself giggling in every chapter, which is very difficult for a book about murder to do. If you have a sense of humor, then you definitely won't mind reading this book, which is masterfully written and translated, keeping all humor and jokes intact.
Another highlight of this book is how it is a work of translated, translated from Japanese originally. I really think that there are not enough books being translated from other languages into English. I am so glad to be able to support this book and its author. I will definitely be reading any of the author's other books that are translated into English in the future. They will be at the top of my TBR list. Also, I'm in the mood now to rewatch the amazing Bullet Train movie. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of books about assassins in general, you won't regret checking out this book when it comes out in November!
March 18, 2025
3.5 stars.
Not quite as memorable as the other books in the series, but still quick and entertaining! Loved Nanao just as much as I did in Bullet Train, and all the new characters were fun and interesting, but I think the ending was a little abrupt.
Not quite as memorable as the other books in the series, but still quick and entertaining! Loved Nanao just as much as I did in Bullet Train, and all the new characters were fun and interesting, but I think the ending was a little abrupt.
November 14, 2024
Kinetic and comedic, Kōtarō Isaka’s latest in his Assassins series is also slightly confusing. At times, Hotel Lucky Seven reads like a screenplay and, based on the successful adaptation of his novel Bullet Train, there might have been a killer of a reason for that. Right, Hollywood?
Hotel Lucky Seven starts with a simple premise. Nanao, Isaka’s unlucky assassin code named Ladybird, is tasked to deliver a birthday parcel in the Winton Palace Hotel. Nanao bumbles and stumbles and soon realizes he needs to leave the hotel – fast. But then the overall plot deepens. There just so happens to be professional cleaners, the team of Pillow and Blanket, also within the hotel, also looking to depart, and with bodies in tow. Then Yuka Kamino, a former employee of the hotel’s manager, has seen too much. Now, she has the fabled assassin team known as the Six after her. Kamino, yup, is also trying to escape the hotel.
So much escaping! Although tedious at times, Hotel Lucky Seven has fortune on its side and makes for fun crime-fiction escapism of its own.
Dōmo arigatō to Abrams and Netgalley for the advance read.
Hotel Lucky Seven starts with a simple premise. Nanao, Isaka’s unlucky assassin code named Ladybird, is tasked to deliver a birthday parcel in the Winton Palace Hotel. Nanao bumbles and stumbles and soon realizes he needs to leave the hotel – fast. But then the overall plot deepens. There just so happens to be professional cleaners, the team of Pillow and Blanket, also within the hotel, also looking to depart, and with bodies in tow. Then Yuka Kamino, a former employee of the hotel’s manager, has seen too much. Now, she has the fabled assassin team known as the Six after her. Kamino, yup, is also trying to escape the hotel.
So much escaping! Although tedious at times, Hotel Lucky Seven has fortune on its side and makes for fun crime-fiction escapism of its own.
Dōmo arigatō to Abrams and Netgalley for the advance read.
January 22, 2025
Hotel Lucky Seven eats me !!
We got the unluckiest assassin, a victim with a photogenic memory that trying to escape from fabled assassins, the blowgun killers, an old tech-savvy sassy lady, the skilled killer who expertise in explosive, corrupted ex-parliament, and two friends who professionally work disposing of dead bodies.
It has a fun premise & simple storyline but I extremely love it when the author crafted a bunch of characters that specialized in different ways no matter what the gender and age. Although Yuko Kamino is just a plain woman to be gifted a photogenic memory it always comes to the cost just like how Inui used her.
Back and forth reading pov from numerous characters, I got myself confused at first but then, it was quite a clean experience when I was able to conclude the motives of the characters. Moreover, I was quite invested in reading about the unfortunate events that happened to Nanao but without him realizing, there was always a bit of fortune revolving around him.
The final reveal was twisty and I could keep up with the storyline despite having not read all the other books in the series. Good job with the translation (Brian Bergstrom) and looking forward to the rest of Kotaro Isaka's books. And because of too many characters coming in, I would suggest that you read it in one go.
Book courtesy of @definitelybooks #pansing #definitelybooks
We got the unluckiest assassin, a victim with a photogenic memory that trying to escape from fabled assassins, the blowgun killers, an old tech-savvy sassy lady, the skilled killer who expertise in explosive, corrupted ex-parliament, and two friends who professionally work disposing of dead bodies.
It has a fun premise & simple storyline but I extremely love it when the author crafted a bunch of characters that specialized in different ways no matter what the gender and age. Although Yuko Kamino is just a plain woman to be gifted a photogenic memory it always comes to the cost just like how Inui used her.
Back and forth reading pov from numerous characters, I got myself confused at first but then, it was quite a clean experience when I was able to conclude the motives of the characters. Moreover, I was quite invested in reading about the unfortunate events that happened to Nanao but without him realizing, there was always a bit of fortune revolving around him.
The final reveal was twisty and I could keep up with the storyline despite having not read all the other books in the series. Good job with the translation (Brian Bergstrom) and looking forward to the rest of Kotaro Isaka's books. And because of too many characters coming in, I would suggest that you read it in one go.
Book courtesy of @definitelybooks #pansing #definitelybooks
September 24, 2024
奏田大吃一惊，高声问：「高良哥完全不会羡慕别人吗？」
高良反而露出愣住的表情，回答：「梅树在意旁边的苹果树是要干麼？」
「梅树好好地当梅树就行了，苹果树好好地做苹果树就是了，干麼跟玫瑰花比？」
七尾很想指出离题了，却发现自己被奏田转述的高良的话的话打动。他不止一次怨恨自己宛如被诅咒的倒楣人生，羡慕别人。他也不止一次梦想走上不一样的人生之路，想过更和平的日常生活。
苹果树好好地做苹果树就是了，开不出玫瑰花又如何？这句话在七尾的脑中迴响。
—
如果前一阵子看的《摩登时代》是令人省思的主食，这次的《777》就是一部更轻鬆有节奏感的清爽佳餚！
之前看伊坂的杀手系列都是看改编电影，对於《蚱蜢》恰到好处的2.5次元感跟《子弹列车》（《瓢虫〉的电影版）胡来又豪爽的风格印象深刻又满意，这次直接看777虽然是系列作的第四集了，但独立阅读依然是很能享受故事的作品。
简单任务永远不简单、还会搞出一串尸体的杀手瓢虫，这次也不意外地在一个简单的任务裡面捲入一连串的腥风血雨之中，搭配一群极具魅力又很有特色的「业者」们，在一间高级饭店裡面交织在一起。
杀手系列在非现实的风格中创造了各式各样奇特的杀人方式，却在一些层面又有小人物的现实感。在这部作品中，伊坂依然很会描写恶，也带入一些对於生活及国家的反思，总会让人思考在每个资讯的背后有多少是操弄、有多少是真实？
个人最喜欢在本作出现的逃亡专家可可女士，因為职棒选手的儿子在棒球电玩的数值是贰，而让中年的他為了窜改儿子的数据而学习骇客技术，真的是很欢乐的角色。也觉得从其他角色视角看到的瓢虫和瓢虫视角看到的反差实在有趣，每次都会心一笑。
很喜欢所有人物都有各自的魅力，但他们各自间的动力和善恶没却没有那麼绝对，是在模糊地带不断地摆动和反转的，这个特性，也在这本书的后期带来一些惊喜和转折。
而伊坂的便当也真的快到猝不及防，有些角色刚喜欢上没多久便当就也很乾脆地发下来了，真希望能多看一些他们的故事呢。（倒是《瓢虫》裡面的蜜柑与柠檬在本作有出现一下）。
这部作品跟《瓢虫》一样，顺着脉络读下去，有些金句随着裡面的人物让人更加有感。也在后面解说文的脉络裡面，看到日本方如何在版权和推动伊坂的作品上努力，让子弹列车的电影化合作创造机会带来更多的可能。看完这本书之后，实在很希望因為布莱德彼特喜欢瓢虫这个角色而催生出的这部作品，也可以早日听到下一部电影化的消息。
高良反而露出愣住的表情，回答：「梅树在意旁边的苹果树是要干麼？」
「梅树好好地当梅树就行了，苹果树好好地做苹果树就是了，干麼跟玫瑰花比？」
七尾很想指出离题了，却发现自己被奏田转述的高良的话的话打动。他不止一次怨恨自己宛如被诅咒的倒楣人生，羡慕别人。他也不止一次梦想走上不一样的人生之路，想过更和平的日常生活。
苹果树好好地做苹果树就是了，开不出玫瑰花又如何？这句话在七尾的脑中迴响。
—
如果前一阵子看的《摩登时代》是令人省思的主食，这次的《777》就是一部更轻鬆有节奏感的清爽佳餚！
之前看伊坂的杀手系列都是看改编电影，对於《蚱蜢》恰到好处的2.5次元感跟《子弹列车》（《瓢虫〉的电影版）胡来又豪爽的风格印象深刻又满意，这次直接看777虽然是系列作的第四集了，但独立阅读依然是很能享受故事的作品。
简单任务永远不简单、还会搞出一串尸体的杀手瓢虫，这次也不意外地在一个简单的任务裡面捲入一连串的腥风血雨之中，搭配一群极具魅力又很有特色的「业者」们，在一间高级饭店裡面交织在一起。
杀手系列在非现实的风格中创造了各式各样奇特的杀人方式，却在一些层面又有小人物的现实感。在这部作品中，伊坂依然很会描写恶，也带入一些对於生活及国家的反思，总会让人思考在每个资讯的背后有多少是操弄、有多少是真实？
个人最喜欢在本作出现的逃亡专家可可女士，因為职棒选手的儿子在棒球电玩的数值是贰，而让中年的他為了窜改儿子的数据而学习骇客技术，真的是很欢乐的角色。也觉得从其他角色视角看到的瓢虫和瓢虫视角看到的反差实在有趣，每次都会心一笑。
很喜欢所有人物都有各自的魅力，但他们各自间的动力和善恶没却没有那麼绝对，是在模糊地带不断地摆动和反转的，这个特性，也在这本书的后期带来一些惊喜和转折。
而伊坂的便当也真的快到猝不及防，有些角色刚喜欢上没多久便当就也很乾脆地发下来了，真希望能多看一些他们的故事呢。（倒是《瓢虫》裡面的蜜柑与柠檬在本作有出现一下）。
这部作品跟《瓢虫》一样，顺着脉络读下去，有些金句随着裡面的人物让人更加有感。也在后面解说文的脉络裡面，看到日本方如何在版权和推动伊坂的作品上努力，让子弹列车的电影化合作创造机会带来更多的可能。看完这本书之后，实在很希望因為布莱德彼特喜欢瓢虫这个角色而催生出的这部作品，也可以早日听到下一部电影化的消息。
November 12, 2024
November 2024
Kindle edition
I really need to stop hyping myself up for books. Or 欧宝娱乐 needs to shorten the new release page to one month in advance. Love the cover. Nanao, back again and just as unlucky this time around. Now that I know what happens, a re-read would probably make this one more enjoyable. An array of assassins, Inui, seemingly a mastermind, a guy in a cafe that made no sense until the end, and Ladybug in the middle. I felt sorry for Soda and Cola. It was strange conversations, a climbing body count and a really unlucky assassin. At the end it all came together in an oh moment. Curious what the chocolate message said. It was alright, but I could've waited for this one to go on sale.
Kindle edition
I really need to stop hyping myself up for books. Or 欧宝娱乐 needs to shorten the new release page to one month in advance. Love the cover. Nanao, back again and just as unlucky this time around. Now that I know what happens, a re-read would probably make this one more enjoyable. An array of assassins, Inui, seemingly a mastermind, a guy in a cafe that made no sense until the end, and Ladybug in the middle. I felt sorry for Soda and Cola. It was strange conversations, a climbing body count and a really unlucky assassin. At the end it all came together in an oh moment. Curious what the chocolate message said. It was alright, but I could've waited for this one to go on sale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2024
Kotaro Isaka is back doing what he does best. Another stellar addition to his Assassins series, full of his usual humour, and splatterings of violence.
In my opinion, not quite as good as Bullet Train. However, it's still a very entertaining read as Ladybird makes his return alongside many others in Isaka’s eccentric cast of assassins.
To begin with, characters were slightly hard to follow, but once the book advanced this became less of an issue. All seem well-placed and add their own uniqueness to the story.
The writing could perhaps be described as a little simple at times, while I had no issues with this I can see others being put off.
Kotaro Isaka remains one of my favourite reads as he delivers another great story.
In my opinion, not quite as good as Bullet Train. However, it's still a very entertaining read as Ladybird makes his return alongside many others in Isaka’s eccentric cast of assassins.
To begin with, characters were slightly hard to follow, but once the book advanced this became less of an issue. All seem well-placed and add their own uniqueness to the story.
The writing could perhaps be described as a little simple at times, while I had no issues with this I can see others being put off.
Kotaro Isaka remains one of my favourite reads as he delivers another great story.
January 10, 2025
Probably a 3.5. Another strange and rollicking romp (if a story with a relatively high body count can be called a romp that is) from the author of Bullet Train. The fourth in a peripherally connected series of assassin and assassinating the assassin stories, this time all happening in a luxury Tokyo hotel. Not as graphic (or crass) as some elements of his other works and with the occasional good line, Hotel Lucky Seven was a relatively positive read with a clever structure. A couple of rather convenient and contrived escapes from tight situations did, however, create a few cheech moments from this reader.
February 21, 2025
I enjoyed the story and wish I could have given it 3.5. There are a lot of characters, all with code names, in this book and it makes it hard to keep track of, hence 3.5 and not 4. I think if I had read some of the earlier books I might not have had as a hard a time. I did watch the movie Bullet Train and I think this was key to understanding the quirky comedy of these assassins and the crazy circumstances of the story. I may go back and read the others as I think they will be enjoyable now that I am more familiar with the storyline.
November 3, 2024
4.25 stars
Nanao - code name Ladybird - continues to be the unluckiest assassin in existence. Maria has an 'easy, no problems' job for him: deliver a birthday gift to a wealthy hotel guest. But the usual comedy of errors occurs and soon the hotel is so full of corpses, people start to wonder if a plague god has come to stay.
This references Bullet Train several times, so it's probably best to read that book first.
I enjoyed this more than Bullet Train! It was slightly less chaotic and slapstick, while having even more hilarious characters. I liked the set up of all the action being contained to the hotel, with the assassins using the elevators, different floors, security cameras etc to strategize. The overall plot kept me guessing, and I enjoyed the overarching theme of appreciating what you have. This series is great for people who enjoy action sequences and silly Matrix-style dodging!
Nanao - code name Ladybird - continues to be the unluckiest assassin in existence. Maria has an 'easy, no problems' job for him: deliver a birthday gift to a wealthy hotel guest. But the usual comedy of errors occurs and soon the hotel is so full of corpses, people start to wonder if a plague god has come to stay.
This references Bullet Train several times, so it's probably best to read that book first.
I enjoyed this more than Bullet Train! It was slightly less chaotic and slapstick, while having even more hilarious characters. I liked the set up of all the action being contained to the hotel, with the assassins using the elevators, different floors, security cameras etc to strategize. The overall plot kept me guessing, and I enjoyed the overarching theme of appreciating what you have. This series is great for people who enjoy action sequences and silly Matrix-style dodging!
January 1, 2025
Welcome to the madcap crazy world of Kotaro Isaka. I suspect that more people will come to this book after the Hollywood take on 'Bullet Train' (nope, still not watched it, never will), so if there is one crumb of comfort from that then that's a positive.
Anyway, to the matter in hand. Once again poor Nanao (aka Ladybug) gets himself involved in a hapless, hopeless mess. Deliver a painting, that's all. Right. One dead body later and all hell breaks loose. And once again there are more assassins in one hotel than is strictly necessary, if truth be told. Twists and turns, humour, violence. It's joyous and just a pleasure to lose yourself into this crazy world.
I'll be honest, I was in a race against time before my ARC expired, so I was rushing a bit to get it finished. I will have to go back and re-read it becasue I feel like I missed the sheer pleasure of just reading at leisure this madcap world and its characters.
Fans of the series will love this, and yes indeed, Isaka deserves more people to read his books. For me, this one comes in somewhere between 4 and 4.5 stars.
Anyway, to the matter in hand. Once again poor Nanao (aka Ladybug) gets himself involved in a hapless, hopeless mess. Deliver a painting, that's all. Right. One dead body later and all hell breaks loose. And once again there are more assassins in one hotel than is strictly necessary, if truth be told. Twists and turns, humour, violence. It's joyous and just a pleasure to lose yourself into this crazy world.
I'll be honest, I was in a race against time before my ARC expired, so I was rushing a bit to get it finished. I will have to go back and re-read it becasue I feel like I missed the sheer pleasure of just reading at leisure this madcap world and its characters.
Fans of the series will love this, and yes indeed, Isaka deserves more people to read his books. For me, this one comes in somewhere between 4 and 4.5 stars.
September 21, 2024
So much fun as we return to the misadventure of the most unlucky assassin ever. Ladybug is tasked with a super simple job of delivering a birthday present and it goes downhill when the portrait doesn't match the recipient. Along the way, he meets and helps a woman with an eidetic memory and a whole bunch of other killers. Anymore, would spoil the fun and while this references earlier events (from Bullet Train), this can be read as a standalone.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
January 5, 2025
Lovely and often times unexpectedly funny.
February 19, 2025
This is Isaka at his best. Ridiculous characters, moral conundrums, and fast-paced action.
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