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The Family Next Door
Assassins Are Us follows a teenage girl who has been born into a family of assassins and is expected to follow in their footsteps. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I remember watching the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a comedy/action/romance where the husband and wife are (unknown to each other) trained assassins who have seamlessly blended into suburbia. I was so entertained by this concept that I asked myself, What if Mr. and Mrs. Smith had a family? As a result, I started Assassins Are Us about eight years ago, then shelved it until about a year ago, where, with the benefit of a concept editor at Atmosphere Press, I was able to flesh out a fully-formed third act.
Hedala struggles with her family’s secrets and her desire to do things other teens do, like have a boyfriend. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Great question! As the Hinterschotts are the nuclear family next door, I felt it was important for the family members to be subject to the same sensibilities as any other. The teenage years are really tough ones to navigate: the politics of friendships, hormones, first loves, sibling rivalry, family dynamics, stressors of school and teachers… and social media make it even more difficult. I wanted to make Hedy seem lost in many of these teenage trials and tribulations to make her as normal as any teenage girl might be.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The topic of family and bloodline recurs throughout Assassins Are Us, even in the darkest sense. Without giving too much away, there are characters in the book who are the most unlikely Hinterschott family members. Deeper questions lie beneath the surface of the book’s humor, such as What makes a family? Is it the bloodline? Is it the values that keep the family whole? Family is built through connections, unconditional love, and support.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Well, until my content editor, Bryce Wilson, put the idea in my head, I hadn’t even thought about a sequel or even a series. Also, with the addition of some positive reviews that have also suggested this continuation of Hedy Hinterschott, I have penned some ideas for a sequel, at the least. David Corso is still Hedy’s mystery man, so I think I would like to evolve his backstory with some intrigue.
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However, Hedy’s secretive family history, tumultuous teenage years, and predetermined future not only in the family business but also in the family itself, have left her questioning her place in the world. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Hedy is the first female Hinterschott to be born in the family’s long line of assassins, prompting her to question why all other women in her family tree have only been added through marriage.
As the story unfolds, a mysterious prospective boyfriend, a plot to uncover Hitler’s billions, and the unraveling of family secrets lead Hedy on a journey of self-discovery, where she finds that assassinations may be easier than navigating the complexities of romance and family.
With its unique blend of dark comedy, drama, and romance, Assassins Are Us offers a thrilling and thought-provoking coming-of-age story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Assassins Are Us
In Assassins Are Us, author Kimberly Van Sickle unveils a riveting narrative set against the backdrop of the Hinterschott family, a lineage steeped in 500 years of professional assassination.
The novel introduces us to Hedala Hinterschott, a young member of this intriguing family, who skillfully takes over her history class to discuss the after-story of Adolf Hitler. By seamlessly weaving her family’s history into the discussion, she captivates her classmates without betraying her secret lineage.
The Hinterschott family consists of immediate members, including Hedala’s twin brother Gerard, mother Adelinda, father Herald, and grandmother Gertrude. Each is proficiently trained in the art of assassination, accepting contracts while maintaining an unassuming façade. The novel poignantly explores the family’s historical tradition of dealing with twins, a dark secret that evokes both intrigue and conflict within the family.
Hedala’s life is complicated further by a prohibition against romantic relationships, a necessary measure to ensure her focus and readiness. Nevertheless, youthful longing finds its way into her life through her classmate Dave Corso. The author paints the relationship between Hedy and Dave with delicate strokes, allowing it to blossom innocently. Dave’s successful navigation of the family’s interrogation endears him to the Hinterschotts and becomes a symbol of trust and acceptance.
Van Sickle skillfully introduces unexpected twists, like the sudden appearance of Dr. Markensen, a seemingly ordinary history teacher whose true identity will be revealed. This mystery adds challenges to the character’s lives and brings about even more questions.
Assassins Are Us is a whirlwind of action and emotion from the opening page. Readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats, eager to follow the twists and turns of this thrilling story. The author’s adept character development and narrative craft provide a deep connection to each character, making the book an engaging read. Highly recommended for those seeking a blend of suspense, intrigue, and human connection, Assassins Are Us is a standout novel that leaves a lasting impression.
Pages: 164 | ISBN : 9781639889433
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