The Old Woman with the Knife

The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo is a gripping Korean novel that subverts the typical thriller by centering on an aging female assassin. Hornclaw, a 65-year-old contract killer, has spent decades eliminating targets with precision, living a solitary life with no attachments. But as she nears retirement, she finds herself questioning her existence, especially after a chance encounter with a kind doctor. When old enemies resurface, she must confront both her past and the vulnerabilities that come with age. Combining suspense with poignant reflections on aging, loneliness, and resilience, this novel offers a fresh take on the assassin genre.