Killers of a Certain Age, Deanna Raybourn

Meet Billy, a sixty-something assassin for a global secret agency called The Museum. She and her killer friends are recently retired, however they're forced back into the world of disguise, espionage, and murder-most-elaborate after their old organisation turns on them.

I am a sucker for luscious locations, especially when they play host to crime. KOACA ticks all the boxes in this respect. We're in Rome, Paris, New Orleans, a big old cavernous house in the English countryside – all places I want to be, thank you very much!).

As well as the settings, our group of assassins are an absolute delight to hang out with. Billy is quietly competent, if a little rash; Mary is beautiful, often underestimated, expert in poison, and married to the lovely Akiko with whom she owns Kevin the Cat; Helen is recently widowed, moneyed and tired; Nat is a wildcard, great with explosives and often bickers with Mary.

This is a hugely satisfying mystery thriller with some brilliantly conceived set pieces and heartwarming female friendships.

Goodreads review:

Stupendous, fabulous, raw, hilarious (with plenty of references to classical mythology and Renaissance/Baroque art, oh, AND glamorous locations including Rome, Paris and New Orleans). Needless to say, I loved this with every fibre of my heart.