Thomas Perry returns following Murder Book (Top books of 2023) (5 Stars), with his latest, HERO. A private security agent finds that being branded as the City of Angels’ latest hero could also make her its next victim.

Justine Poole provides security (bodyguard) for the wealthy and high-profile Hollywood stars. When she prevented a robbery at one of the Beverly Hills homes of two clients, she was launched in the media as a local hero.

Justine Poole is just doing her job when she follows Jerry and Estelle Pinsky from a fundraiser to their gated home and foils a robbery attempt by five men, two of whom she shoots dead.

However, being in the spotlight puts her in the crosshairs of the crime kingpin behind those burglaries. The crime boss does not like a woman defeating them. They want the problem to go away—a hired killer.

Poole becomes the target of journeyman assassin Leo Sealy, who is hired by the mastermind behind the home invasion to track Poole down. But things do not go as planned.

But they are not prepared for how resourceful Justine can be, and this begins a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse suspense.

While HERO was OK and had some laughs, I did not think it was up to Perry's usual standards or his last book. This was not my favorite.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Christina Delaine, which does not hold a candle to Peter Berkrot from the last book. Yes, I realize they needed a female narrator, but I would have enjoyed another choice.

Thanks to Highbridge Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 16, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
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