Step into the wild, wacky world of Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman, where a reluctant assassin teams up with a snarky talking lizard to navigate a life of crime, comedy, and chaos! Penned by J.B. Lynn, this long-running series blends dark humor, thrilling crime capers, and heartfelt family drama, following Margaret 'Maggie' Lee as she stumbles into the hitwoman business. With over 40 books, it’s a rollercoaster of murder, mirth, and mayhem that keeps readers hooked.
Maggie’s not your typical killer—she’s never even swatted a fly before a car accident flips her world upside down, leaving her with the ability to chat with animals and a desperate need to pay her niece’s medical bills. What starts as a one-off mob job spirals into a career of dodging mob bosses, juggling quirky romances, and wrangling a dysfunctional family. It’s a zany mix of suspense and silliness that’s perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.
How Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman Began
J.B. Lynn, a New Jersey native with a knack for lighthearted mysteries, kicked off the series in 2012 with Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman. Inspired by her love for eccentric characters and suspenseful plots, Lynn crafted Maggie Lee as a relatable everywoman thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Her goal? To blend the grit of crime fiction with laugh-out-loud humor, creating a series that’s as heartwarming as it is thrilling. Lynn’s background as a compulsive reader and self-improvement buff shines through in Maggie’s witty, resilient voice.
The series’ debut novel was a hit, praised for its fresh take on the cozy mystery genre. Published by Avon Impulse, it set the stage for a sprawling saga that’s still growing, with fans eagerly awaiting new releases like The Hitwoman and the Jailbreak in 2025. Lynn’s ability to churn out fast-paced, character-driven stories has made her a favorite among readers craving escapist fun.
The Heart of Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman
The series kicks off with Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman (2012), where Maggie, reeling from a car accident that killed her sister, accepts a mobster’s offer to kill his son-in-law to fund her niece’s care. Guided by her charming yet complicated mentor, Patrick Mulligan—a cop by day, hitman by night—she navigates her first job with help from her niece’s lizard, Godzilla (aka 'God'), who speaks with Alan Rickman’s velvety voice. Further Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman (2012) dives deeper into Maggie’s chaotic life, with more hits, family drama, and animal banter.
The Hitwoman and the Family Jewels (2013) sees Maggie tasked with killing a cop—her ex, Paul Kowalski—while unraveling her father’s criminal past. The Hitwoman and the Neurotic Witness (2013) ups the ante when Maggie’s apartment explodes, forcing her to live with meddling aunts and a psychic claiming to see ghosts. Themes of loyalty, resilience, and found family weave through the series, set in a vibrant, unnamed American city where mobsters and quirky pets reign. Lynn’s style—fast-paced, dialogue-driven, and dripping with humor—makes each book a quick, addictive read.
Maggie’s animal companions, like the dyslexic Doberman Doomsday and a battered cat, add paranormal flair, while her romantic entanglements with Patrick and others keep the stakes personal. The series’ blend of cozy mystery, thriller, and supernatural elements creates a unique niche, appealing to readers who love a side of whimsy with their suspense.
Why Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman Resonates
Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman has carved out a loyal fanbase thanks to its irresistible mix of heart and hilarity. Readers rave about Maggie’s relatable struggles—balancing family, work, and a secret assassin gig—while laughing at her banter with God the lizard. The series’ longevity, with 48 books and counting, speaks to its staying power in the cozy mystery genre. Its influence lies in proving that heroines can be flawed, funny, and fierce, inspiring similar quirky crime series.
Fans on Goodreads and Amazon praise the series’ addictive pacing and clever character development, with many calling it a 'fun house ride' of emotions. While not a cultural juggernaut, its niche appeal lies in delivering consistent, escapist entertainment for readers craving lighthearted thrills.
- First Book Published: 2012
- Total Books: 48 (as of 2025)
- Genre: Cozy Mystery, Crime Comedy
- Key Character: Maggie Lee
Grab Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman and dive into a world where talking lizards, mob hits, and family chaos collide in the most delightful way!