A Different Lie - by Derek Haas (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Now a new dad, the infamous Silver Bear finds himself staying up late to give a bottle and changing diapers--all while leading the double life of a contract killer. The struggle is not with his conscience. He enjoys his gig. But a child forces him to weigh selfishness versus safety. Continue in his line of work, and he'll always wonder if he's putting his child's life at risk.

When the next assignment comes, both Columbus and his partner Risina are surprised to find that the mark is another assassin: a brash, young man named Castillo. An assassin on the rise, he's responsible for slaying a high profile CEO. As Columbus closes in on his target, he realizes that Castillo is a younger version of himself. It's almost like looking in a mirror. Castillo has even studied Columbus' work. Yet as much as Columbus sees himself in this young man, his assignment is clear.

Then, Castillo learns that his hero and unwitting mentor has a family--a revelation with enormous ramifications. Now that he knows Columbus's weakness, he will go after it and exploit it. Just as Columbus would have done...

Review Quotes

"Haas builds characters who are complicated, memorable, and sharply drawn. His spare, lean prose wastes no words. Haas develops a powerful and compelling voice and spends his scant 200 pages building suspense, creating atmosphere, and telling a compelling yarn. An unflinching little gem of a story: violent, dark, and unrelentingly entertaining." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Columbus's charm and dark humor offer a refreshing break from the sociopathic-assassin mold, and Haas' gutwrenching tale moves at breakneck speed. Pairs nicely with Jeff Lindsay's 'Dexter' series and Shane Kuhn's The Intern's Handbook." --Booklist

"From the very first lines we are pulled into a forceful emotional storm. Perhaps the best news is that Haas leaves Columbus' door wide open, so we can look forward to more adventures." --Bookgasm