The Assassin (An Isabella Rose Thriller Book 4)

151+ reviews of which 84% are 5 stars? You have got to be joking! The Assassin was a read I could not get over with fast enough. A derivative plot about genetically altered/engineered super-assassins who work for a shadowy organisation that goes around offing people who threaten ‘their’ idea of a right world order - but where these GE assassins succumb to cancer and premature death (which is like so unfair), until the 16 year old Isabella Rose enters because she (wait for it) does not succumb to cancer! As the story ground its way onward the source ideas began to show through and I played ‘name the first time the world saw this trope.’ Tensions were ratcheted up but characters left undeveloped in barely 2D while weapons and shoot-outs were usually over-described, but it is 'that kind of book.' The action travelled Mexico, the US, Macedonia, London and the Home Counties and probably other places. The 16 year old’s name is attached to other books (‘an Isabella Rose story’) because there is a series, heaven help us, where she presumably blows out 17 then 18 then 19 candles on her birthdays as she becomes more proficient at offing people. This is a formulaic book and it’s an old tired formula.

As other reviewers have stated – you should read the “Beatrix Rose” books before you start on this 4-book “Isabella Rose” series. Thus, you get the necessary background to these action-packed thrillers by Mark Dawson.As I said, there are 4 relatively short books in this series and you really need to treat them as a single novel or you will be left rather disappointed as each part ends without a conclusion. Alas, this is becoming a common but disappointing practice among Kindle book publishers. Pope, our co-star, is a government security specialist who tries to unravel apparent conspiracy and deceit by senior people in government. He faces one impossible situation after another as even his closest family get embroiled in the affairs. Isabella Rose proves to be a surprisingly able accomplice - a girl with an intriguing upbringing.The series is well worth the read. I just find having to buy 4 books for 1 story a tad disappointing. Hence, the 4-star rating.

Well I know I am going to enjoy a Mark Dawson book, I always do !!Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is the most dangerous city in the world. And when a mission to break the local cartel’s grip goes wrong, Isabella Rose, the Angel, finds herself on the wrong side of prison bars. Fearing the worst, Isabella plays her only remaining card…British agent Vivian Bloom is determined to be the first to reach her, certain she will lead him to other operatives he’s under pressure to hunt down. But US agents are circling too. And with the shadowy Prometheus group pulling the strings, Isabella knows that she and her mentor, the Asset, are living on borrowed time…The Assassin is the fourth part in a continuing story involving Isabella Rose that also includes The Angel, The Asset and The Agent.I can recommend all four of these books, alongside the three Beatrix Rose books, I love them !Here, we have a collection of returning characters some great, some rather nasty.Isabella, yes has one of the main roles but greatly assisted with the return of Michael Pope, Atari, Vivian Bloom and of course our Asset.Does this book has an explosive ending, no it starts fast and stays at a relentless fast pace all the way through the book as we keep up with the different characters all around the world.What can I say, well firstly read all Beatrix Rose first, then read all four Isabella Books, then like me try and read all the John Milton books.Highly recommended, great action, great pace, a good thriller, strong characters, great ending.A clear four star and close to a five star.

Although this is the 4th in the series, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the others, although you may wish to, as Mark references relevant past events.This book starts with teenage orphan Isabella Rose creating havoc in Mexico with the deadly Maia. Intriguing new characters, such as Phoenix, are introduced during their escapades, as well as familiar names reappearing to support the girls, like Michael Pope.The locations are well researched and so vividly described you feel you can picture exactly where events are taking place. I’m already looking forward to Dawson’s next book.

Although this is fourth in the series of Isabella Rose books and it is useful to have read previous ones, it is not necessary as it includes references that make it a stand alone book. As usual a great rapid paced book, I read it in one sitting as stuck on broken down coach from Scotland to Suffolk for 12 hrs, but would not have been able to put it down anyway. I like all the nods to other Mark Dawson characters, and was pleased to see Pope back in this book. Now eagerly awaiting next John Milton book.

I enjoy stories about sons or daughters as this is.The added bonus is that Isabella has been taught so well by her mother that she can well look after herself at such a young age. What I did find a bit annoying that Mark Dawson uses American words or phrases as though he was ashamed of being British. Come on Mark , don't treat Americans as though they wouldn't understand it if you said, for instance, She returned the tap only to have a shower. The British don't say faucet, things like that have spoiled a good thriller for me.

Yes I’ve read all the books but I could never really get into this character or the series. It all seems a bit contrived although I’ve been willing to suspend belief for a while. This latest part of the series is very disappointing though and is turning into more of a superhuman fantasy genre....and it all became a bit silly. In fact I had trouble finishing it. I gave it an extra star for some of the action scenes just to be generous....but this is by far the worst I’ve read by this author.

The hero Isabella Rose is in training with Maia when story takes up. Hiding from their former jailers, they plan revenge on those who have made their lives so complex. Action, slayings and using the help of Pope, Isabella and Maia plan and exact revenge on their persecutors. Fast moving with focus on main characters author has delivered a thriller of note.

Having enjoyed The Assassin before reading the other three, (though after all of Beatrix and John Milton) I couldn’t wait to read The Angel, The Agent and The Asset. And when I read The Assassin again I found it even more thrilling than the first time. I have followed Mark Dawson for a long time and will always be on the lookout for his next book. I’m hooked!

These are fast pace books. I would recommend to any one who needs his/her heart pumping. I would recommend that to start with the first book. You will follow and appreciate more.In my opinion if there was a little romance and a witty laughter introduced it would have lightened up a little. Nevertheless the books are excellent. Well done Mark.

I have followed Isabella from the beginning of her story. Beatrice, her mother, taught her everything she knew. Then Isabella added her own adventure to that knowledge. And between the two of them, they have brought to justice the people who killed Beatrice s family. Justice has prevailed. Or, is there still one to find.

As always a thrilling, fast paced book by Mark Dawson. Each book in the Isabella Rose series leads into the next book so if you are thinking of reading this series you need to start at Book 1.

Another great series, and as always it ends with all the questions being answered. We watched Isabella grow up through this series and she has turned out to be everything her mother wanted her to be. I'm hoping Isabella and Pope, both show up in future action packed tales.

Mark Dawson is producing much better than average "indie" writing, and although the plot of this thriller is unremarkable for the genre, the characters are interesting and the book (and its predecessors) well worth a read.

The writer has a uncanny knack of making the brutality blend into a interesting read and always provides a level of knowledge about obscure subjects which I find entertaining.

Easy to read, well paced with plenty of action. Characters were true to their history. A good addition to the series.

Simply love the way the story of Isabella develops! The characters are intertwine in a fascinating way! This is the best of the Isabella series to date & simply can’t wait for the next instalment. Congrats again to Mark Dawson of maintaining the suspense in this series!

Fourth book in the series moves at fast pace and draws in well references to the earlier novels . Enjoyed it immensely

I love reading any of Mark Dawson's novels as they are fast paced, actioned packed, twist turning thrillers. Highly recommend as Mark Dawson is up there with the best.

Keeps you guessing and wanting more. I hope this series continues, as it has such great characters. Highly recommended series!

I like all of Dawson's books and this is no exception. The combination of flawed but deadly professional characters is compelling.

Another good segment in the life journey of Isabella. In this segment she, at the age of 16, enters into the confidence of a seasoned assassin. Great read.