Step into the wild, laugh-out-loud world of the Greatest Hits Mystery series, where suburban life meets secret assassinations! Penned by USA Today bestselling author Leslie Langtry, this cozy mystery series follows the Bombay family, a clan of professional hitmen and hitwomen juggling PTA meetings, Girl Scout troops, and deadly assignments. With its blend of humor, romance, and high-stakes action, Greatest Hits Mystery offers a deliciously fresh spin on the thriller genre, perfect for readers craving a quirky escape.
Imagine knitting needles doubling as weapons and chocolate desserts fueling covert ops—this is the Bombay family’s reality. From single moms to suave bachelors, each member hides their lethal skills behind a facade of normalcy, making for a series that’s as heartwarming as it is thrilling. Ready to dive into this assassin-filled comedy? Let’s explore!
How Greatest Hits Mystery Began
Leslie Langtry, a Midwest mom and former Girl Scout leader, crafted the Greatest Hits Mystery series from her love of cozy mysteries and sharp wit. Inspired by the idea of ordinary people leading extraordinary double lives, she introduced the Bombay family in 2007 with ‘Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy.’ Langtry’s knack for blending domestic chaos with dark humor set the stage for a series that’s both relatable and wildly original, earning her a loyal fanbase and critical praise.
The Heart of Greatest Hits Mystery
The series kicks off with ‘Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy,’ where Gin Bombay, a single mom and assassin, balances Girl Scout cookie sales with taking out targets. Her life gets complicated when a new mark comes with a sexy Australian bodyguard, sparking romance amid danger. In ‘Guns Will Keep Us Together,’ Dakota Bombay, a James Bond-esque hitman, faces chaos when he discovers a son he never knew and a grandmother demanding a marketing plan for the family’s assassination business. ‘Stand By Your Hitman’ follows Missi Bombay, an inventor of deadly gadgets, as she navigates a reality TV show in Costa Rica, dodging saboteurs and falling for a charming contestant. ‘I Shot You Babe’ introduces Coney Bombay, a philosopher-assassin, whose carnival assignment turns into a tangled web of love and murder.
Greatest Hits Mystery thrives on themes of family dynamics, personal identity, and the absurdity of balancing normalcy with a secret life. Set in small-town America, the series contrasts mundane settings like soccer games with high-stakes missions, creating a comedic tension that’s uniquely engaging. Langtry’s breezy, irreverent style, packed with witty dialogue and surprising twists, makes each book a quick, delightful read. Fans often compare it to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series for its sassy protagonists and laugh-out-loud moments.
Why Greatest Hits Mystery Resonates
The Greatest Hits Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending dark humor with heartfelt family ties. Readers adore the Bombay family’s quirky dysfunction, from meddling grandparents to precocious kids, which mirrors real-life family chaos—minus the assassinations. Critics, including Publisher’s Weekly, praise Langtry’s ability to make lethal characters endearing, while RT Book Reviews hails her “uproariously funny” storytelling. The series’ lasting appeal lies in its escapist fun, offering a lighthearted take on the thriller genre that keeps fans coming back for more.
- First book published: 2007
- Number of books: 9 core novels, plus short stories
- Notable praise: Featured in Book Riot’s “10 Funny Mystery Authors Like Janet Evanovich”
Ready to join the Bombay family’s wild ride? Grab ‘Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy’ and dive into the Greatest Hits Mystery series’ hilarious, action-packed world!