‘The Corruption of Chastity’Killing Sisters Book 2 by Frank Westworth

Published by The Book Guild,
24 September 2015.
ISBN: 978-1-910508688

Chastity is a contract killer. She’s just completed a neat execution when suddenly her work’s destroyed by a rocket, and she’s left to walk home from the middle of the desert. But who’s tailing her? Time to call in JJ Stoner …

This story began from Chastity’s point of view, and it returns to her throughout, but the main focus is Stoner, guitar-player and would-be retired killer. It’s surprising how quickly you sympathise with this pair of borderline insane assassains – partly because the story’s told from their heads, of course, but also because of their self-awareness about the life they lead and where it will eventually bring them. Stoner is bleakly atheist and pessimistic about Chastity’s chances of ever achieving normality. Survival is all he can offer her. This gave the novel believable emotional depth. The plot was fast-moving and tricky without turning into one of these over-complicated ones where you lose track of who’s trying to kill who and why (partly because, as Stoner says, it’s better when the who doesn’t matter, and the only acceptable whys are money or survival). The resolution was satisfying while still fashionably leading into book 3. The killings were generally at a distance, with only a few nasty close-ups, and the sex was energetic and inventive. The story was told with wry humour.

A well-written, fast-moving hit-man story with 3D characters and a high body and sex count. There are spoilers for the previous book, A Last Act of Charity, so though it reads well as a stand-alone, you might like to start with that one.

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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

Frank Westworth shares several characteristics with his literary anti-hero, JJ Stoner: they both play mean blues guitar and ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Unlike Stoner, Frank hasn't deliberately killed anyone. Instead, Frank edits a monthly classic motorcycle magazine (see RealClassic.co.uk) and has written extensively for the UK motoring press.
Frank's 'Killing Sisters' series starts with A Last Act Of Charity and continues in The Corruption Of Chastity. However, you can start with any of the books in the series; they're written to be enjoyed if you come in halfway through...
Please note; the Stoner stories and Killing Sisters series are intended for an adult audience. They're violent and explicit and contain the occasional intellectual challenge.

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  Marsali also does a regular monthly column for the Mystery People e-zine.