Boardroom Assassin by R.L. Hare is a fascinating, deep dive into a psychopathic narcissist’s mind. Rick Frown is the ultimate corporate high-flyer. A former college athlete, he was destined for the pros but had his potential career cut short by a catastrophic knee injury. Instead, he turned his talents and mind to the cut-throat world of business as the highly successful and wealthy CEO of a Fortune 1000 company. Already bored with the power and ease of his accession to the top of a business enterprise, he seeks something more to feed his craving for the adrenaline rush and his narcissistic self-aggrandizement. A news report of an arrest in a murder case gives him the idea he’s been searching for. He is convinced he’s smart enough to commit the perfect crime. He could kill someone and ensure that nobody and nothing could ever connect him to the murder. Yes, that is Rick’s new, thrilling, and perfect plan.

Boardroom Assassin takes an old concept - the perfect crime - and gives it an intriguing twist through the creation of a unique character in Rick Frown. Author R. L. Hare has created a somewhat relatable, yet deeply flawed character in Rick, who many readers may recognize as people they know. The cold, blatant disregard for his victim and indeed his certainty of evading either capture or incarceration is chilling. What I particularly appreciated was the calm, methodical, highly detailed police and forensic work undertaken to identify potential suspects and persons of interest to the inquiry. By focusing on both aspects of the case, from both the perpetrator's and the police's perspectives, readers get a broader, deeper, and more fulfilling understanding of the scenario being played out. It is worth noting that this story is not complete and there will presumably be a sequel where readers will discover whether Rick Frown’s brash confidence and belief in his invulnerability are justified, or merely a narcissistic fantasy. I enjoyed this book and look forward to a possible sequel.

Boardroom Assassin by R. L. Hare is a riveting psychological thriller led by the intriguing character Rick Frown. Rick seems to have it all—handsome looks, a thriving CEO career, a stunning wife, and high regard in the boardroom. Nevertheless, concealed within his mind lies an ominous desire; the fantasy of a flawless murder captivates him. With precision, Rick sets out to fulfill his fantasy, plotting a cautious and calculated approach while delving deep into research. His meticulous plans include deliberately leaving behind forensic evidence that leaves law enforcement scratching their heads. A young jogger, chosen completely at random, becomes the victim of a murder eerily similar to an earlier unsolved case also involving an innocent jogger. Enter Detective Elena Kolonik, a master at solving all her assigned murder cases. Planted evidence, misleading suspects, and unreliable leads obstruct the relentless hunt for the killer. Rick Frown, the self-assured assassin, meets his match in Detective Elena, whose keen eye for detail and relentless pursuit of justice make her a powerful adversary.

R. L. Hare's Boardroom Assassin is split into two sections. Part one lays out the intricate planning and preparation for the perfect murder. In Part Two, the forensic evidence is analyzed and reveals the cracks in the seemingly flawless scheme. The steady pace of the plot in part one reveals the author's innovative style, showing meticulous research and precise execution in planting the forensic evidence, which captivates the reader's attention. Part two immerses readers in a gripping investigation that leaves them guessing. The compelling narrative style and engaging character-driven approach work together to establish a sense of urgency. Every scene is portrayed with vivid imagery and authentic realism. This gripping novel is expertly crafted, delving into mystery and suspense. Fans of crime fiction who appreciate insightful police work and captivating storylines will find this book impossible to put down, complete with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending.

In R. L. Hare's Boardroom Assassin, Rick Frown is a renowned CEO in the tech industry about to make the most crucial move in his career. If it works, he'll be incredibly wealthy and start living the life of his dreams. Despite this envious position, however, he feels unsatisfied and craves a more stimulating challenge. He wants to assert his will and feel in control of fate. When complications arise in his plans for the company, Rick starts fixating on the dark thoughts he has been having for a while; thoughts of a perfect crime. As ideas turn into reality, it's up to Detective Elena Kolonick and her team to unravel the murderous plot while Rick enjoys the game of cat and mouse, trying to outsmart the police.

Thoroughly grounded in reality, the story takes its time exploring Rick's psyche, his mental and physical preparations for murder, and the subsequent investigations. R. L. Hare excels at placing us in the characters' shoes, making the small details, planning, theories, experiments, and fieldwork immersive and engaging. The characters think and act like real people, and even when they make mistakes, you can usually understand where they're coming from based on their values, personalities, and available information. While Rick is the central focus, Elena is also interesting and is an excellent foil, contrasting him in several ways. She is refreshing as a detective: plain and unassuming but competent, cracking cases primarily through perseverance and attention to detail rather than flashy displays of brilliance or superhuman intuition. Overall, I enjoyed Boardroom Assassin and recommend it to any crime novel fan, especially those who appreciate rigor and realism.

Rick Frown overcomes the misfortune of a career-ending sports injury and rises to the top of the business world. He earns a reputation as the ruthless CEO of a successful Fortune 1000 company, closing lucrative deals that increase the company’s funds while securing a comfortable retirement for himself. When a junior officer questions Rick about a financial issue, the controlling executive quickly devises a dangerous plan to eliminate any obstacles to his goal of unimaginable wealth. Thinking he is above the law, Rick succumbs to the unthinkable. Nothing prepares him for the resilience of Elena Kolonik, a detective with a fierce drive to uphold justice, no matter the cost. Only time will tell who will outsmart the other in this deadly game of cat and mouse in R.L. Hare’s Boardroom Assassin.

Cutthroat business practices take on a deadly new meaning in R.L. Hare’s Boardroom Assassin. Hare spends time explaining Rick’s early involvement in sports, highlighting minor details surrounding his injury, which play a role in shaping his narcissistic personality. He applies similar details to Elena’s origin story, emphasizing her compelling reasons for her determination to succeed professionally. The dialogue shifts from scenes with shady office schemes and detailed presentations to more relaxed, formal-sounding, and occasionally crude banter typical of police personnel. Hare’s narrative style emphasizes the emotions in the dialogue, adjusting the pace for greater impact. This approach helps readers vividly imagine Rick’s outbursts when challenged by those he believes are intellectually inferior to him, as well as Elena’s frustration upon hitting a dead end. The narrative switches focus evenly between Rick's and Elena’s perspectives, providing a realistic and immersive read that appeals to fans of crime thrillers. I enjoyed reading Boardroom Assassin and look forward to the next installment in this fascinating series.