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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 takes her job seriously providing security for wealthy and high-profile Hollywood stars. When she prevents a brazen robbery at the Beverly Hills home of two of her clients—killing two of the five armed robbers in the process—she is initially lauded in the media as a local hero. But the spotlight soon puts her in the crosshairs of the crime kingpin behind the burglaries.
Unable to stand the embarrassment of his lackeys having been defeated by a lone woman, Mr. Conger puts in a call to the one man who can make his problems disappear. Known for his swiftness and subtlety, Leo Sealy will kill anyone for a price. All he needs is a name and a face, any starting point to pick up his victim’s trail. Luckily for him, the local news is as eager as he is for any information about the heroic bodyguard—and quick to broadcast their findings, regardless of what it might mean for her safety. But Sealy isn’t prepared for just how quick and resourceful Justine can be. So begins a cat and mouse game between two people who know more about how to take down one’s enemies than anyone else in the business.
Justine finds herself up against both a hardened killer and the fickle media landscape that can turn on her just as quickly as it celebrated her in this high-stakes thriller from the author of The Old Man .
Justine Poole takes her job seriously providing security for wealthy and high-profile Hollywood stars. When she prevents a brazen robbery at the Beverly Hills home of two of her clients—killing two of the five armed robbers in the process—she is initially lauded in the media as a local hero. But the spotlight soon puts her in the crosshairs of the crime kingpin behind the burglaries.
Unable to stand the embarrassment of his lackeys having been defeated by a lone woman, Mr. Conger puts in a call to the one man who can make his problems disappear. Known for his swiftness and subtlety, Leo Sealy will kill anyone for a price. All he needs is a name and a face, any starting point to pick up his victim’s trail. Luckily for him, the local news is as eager as he is for any information about the heroic bodyguard—and quick to broadcast their findings, regardless of what it might mean for her safety. But Sealy isn’t prepared for just how quick and resourceful Justine can be. So begins a cat and mouse game between two people who know more about how to take down one’s enemies than anyone else in the business.
Justine finds herself up against both a hardened killer and the fickle media landscape that can turn on her just as quickly as it celebrated her in this high-stakes thriller from the author of The Old Man .
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2024
327 people are currently reading
4752 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Perry
93 books1,714 followersThomas Perry was the author of 25 novels. He was born in Tonawanda, New York in 1947. He received a B.A. from Cornell University in 1969 and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Rochester in 1974. He had worked as a park maintenance man, factory laborer, commercial fisherman, university administrator and teacher, and as a writer and producer of prime time network television shows.
Thomas Perry lived in Southern California.
Thomas Perry lived in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
February 13, 2024
It's difficult not to give a Thomas Perry book five stars. He's one of my go-to authors. I always pre-order his novels and this one was no different. I loved it.
The writing craft is outstanding, (although, at time the distant third voice did intrude and detract a smidgen)
There are two main points of view the strong female protagonist and the bad guy chasing and trying to kill her. This is a chase novel with great motivation and well drawn characters. The story is set in Los Angeles and I was familiar with many of the streets and locations which added to the enjoyment. The story is short and terse, the ending quick and deadly. If you are a Thomas Perry fan you won't be disappointed. I'm already in line for the next one.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson novels.
The writing craft is outstanding, (although, at time the distant third voice did intrude and detract a smidgen)
There are two main points of view the strong female protagonist and the bad guy chasing and trying to kill her. This is a chase novel with great motivation and well drawn characters. The story is set in Los Angeles and I was familiar with many of the streets and locations which added to the enjoyment. The story is short and terse, the ending quick and deadly. If you are a Thomas Perry fan you won't be disappointed. I'm already in line for the next one.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson novels.
January 13, 2024
Justine Poole is a bodyguard who prevents a robbery by killing 3 of the would-be thieves. Two others are caught and remain in jail. The head of the robbery gang engages an assassin to kill Justine, basically because his pride is hurt. The rest of the book is a cat and mouse game in which Justine tries to elude the relentless Sealy (who is not as competent or subtle as one would hope).
I like the fact that the author kept the pace up, did not drag in a romance and let Justine actually handle the matter on her own rather than needing a man to save her. However, by its nature this book is repetitive. It is one long chase scene. But it did entertain me. I listened to the audiobook, and the female narrator actually did an ok job with the male voices. So that was a plus.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
I like the fact that the author kept the pace up, did not drag in a romance and let Justine actually handle the matter on her own rather than needing a man to save her. However, by its nature this book is repetitive. It is one long chase scene. But it did entertain me. I listened to the audiobook, and the female narrator actually did an ok job with the male voices. So that was a plus.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
December 8, 2023
Relentless
Review of the upcoming Mysterious Press hardcover/audiobook/eBook (January 16, 2024) via the Net Galley Kindle ARC (downloaded November 3, 2023).
Thomas Perry is the master of the ‘hunt and hide’ / ‘pursuit and evade’ sub-genre of suspense thrillers. He crafts his books to show two points of view, the pursuer and the runner. He varies the process with the pursuer as the villain or the hero. It is a cat and mouse game where sometimes the mouse turns the tables on the cat.
The ‘hero’ in this book is personal security guard Justine Poole who has risen in the ranks and esteem of her co-workers from what was initially an office job. Through training and mentorship she is now one of their elite bodyguards. The agency is working personal security for high-profile clients in an effort to prevent ‘follow home’ assaults and robberies. In one such protection mission, she exchanges gunfire with a carload of criminals who had followed home a Hollywood producer & his wife from a gala event. Two of the criminals are shot dead by Poole.
The crime lord behind the various robbery gangs decides that an example must be made of Poole in order to ensure the loyalty of his underlings. A relentless hitman named Leo Sealy is tasked with the job for a fee of $100,000. It does not take very long for Poole to realize she is being hunted, but not all her supposed allies will step up for her protection. The media is even being manipulated to turn on her. She is uncertain as to whom to turn to and to trust. Meanwhile Sealy is closing in and will not stop regardless of whatever innocents might get in the way.
Hero is a compelling read which you will find hard to put down. The methodical steps taken by both hunter and pursued are laid out in exacting details which draw you in to the action without pause. This is one highly recommended suspense thriller!
My thanks to publisher Mysterious Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this preview ARC, in exchange for which I provide this honest review.
Review of the upcoming Mysterious Press hardcover/audiobook/eBook (January 16, 2024) via the Net Galley Kindle ARC (downloaded November 3, 2023).
Thomas Perry is the master of the ‘hunt and hide’ / ‘pursuit and evade’ sub-genre of suspense thrillers. He crafts his books to show two points of view, the pursuer and the runner. He varies the process with the pursuer as the villain or the hero. It is a cat and mouse game where sometimes the mouse turns the tables on the cat.
The ‘hero’ in this book is personal security guard Justine Poole who has risen in the ranks and esteem of her co-workers from what was initially an office job. Through training and mentorship she is now one of their elite bodyguards. The agency is working personal security for high-profile clients in an effort to prevent ‘follow home’ assaults and robberies. In one such protection mission, she exchanges gunfire with a carload of criminals who had followed home a Hollywood producer & his wife from a gala event. Two of the criminals are shot dead by Poole.
The crime lord behind the various robbery gangs decides that an example must be made of Poole in order to ensure the loyalty of his underlings. A relentless hitman named Leo Sealy is tasked with the job for a fee of $100,000. It does not take very long for Poole to realize she is being hunted, but not all her supposed allies will step up for her protection. The media is even being manipulated to turn on her. She is uncertain as to whom to turn to and to trust. Meanwhile Sealy is closing in and will not stop regardless of whatever innocents might get in the way.
Hero is a compelling read which you will find hard to put down. The methodical steps taken by both hunter and pursued are laid out in exacting details which draw you in to the action without pause. This is one highly recommended suspense thriller!
My thanks to publisher Mysterious Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this preview ARC, in exchange for which I provide this honest review.
February 6, 2024
Hero was the first book that I have listened to by author, Thomas Perry. Not having any prior comparisons to his other books, I found Hero to be exciting, fast paced and engaging. I enjoy suspense thrillers and Hero supplied just enough tension, humor and relatable content to make me want to keep listening to it. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Christina Delaine whose performance was not great but not awful either. Her performance drew me in enough to keep me engaged in the story and the dilemma that the female protagonist found herself in.
Justine Poole, the “hero” in this story, found her calling when she began working for a very sought after security company. Its clients were all prestigious, wealthy Hollywood stars who demanded protection from robberies and assault. Justine worked her way up through the company and was finally considered an elite and respected body guard. She was not only good at her job, but she had earned the recognition of being one of the best at her company.
One night, Justine was alerted by her boss, that there was suspicious activity outside one of their client’s homes. Justine did not hesitate and proceeded directly to the address that was provided. When Justine arrived, she found five armed and dangerous men who were in the process of trying to break in to her client’s home and would most probably rob and assault her clients. Her clients had just arrived home so Justine had to act quickly. Instinctively, Justine surprised the armed men and was able to kill two out of five of them. The other three were apprehended by the police who had been informed of the home invasion and had arrived in time to make the attests and were glad to declare Justine a hero.
After that, Justine became the target of Mr. Conger, head of a crime syndicate. He was the one who had commissioned the gang to conduct the robbery in the first place. Mr. Conger wanted Justine killed. He had to avenge the reputation of his men, both the two that were killed and the three that were in prison. He could not allow a woman to overshadow him and his men. Mr Conger hired a trained assassin to kill Justine. It was a cat and mouse game then. Justine had to keep one step ahead of her attacker. Who could she rely on? How was she going to be able to survive this?
Hero by Thomas Perry was a compelling suspense thriller. It kept me engaged for the most part and I found myself rooting for Justine. Since this was the first book that I’ve read by this author, I will definitely seek out some of his other books and any new books that he writes. I recommend Hero by Thomas Perry if you enjoy reading suspense thrillers.
Thank you to High Bridge Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Hero by Thomas Perry through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Justine Poole, the “hero” in this story, found her calling when she began working for a very sought after security company. Its clients were all prestigious, wealthy Hollywood stars who demanded protection from robberies and assault. Justine worked her way up through the company and was finally considered an elite and respected body guard. She was not only good at her job, but she had earned the recognition of being one of the best at her company.
One night, Justine was alerted by her boss, that there was suspicious activity outside one of their client’s homes. Justine did not hesitate and proceeded directly to the address that was provided. When Justine arrived, she found five armed and dangerous men who were in the process of trying to break in to her client’s home and would most probably rob and assault her clients. Her clients had just arrived home so Justine had to act quickly. Instinctively, Justine surprised the armed men and was able to kill two out of five of them. The other three were apprehended by the police who had been informed of the home invasion and had arrived in time to make the attests and were glad to declare Justine a hero.
After that, Justine became the target of Mr. Conger, head of a crime syndicate. He was the one who had commissioned the gang to conduct the robbery in the first place. Mr. Conger wanted Justine killed. He had to avenge the reputation of his men, both the two that were killed and the three that were in prison. He could not allow a woman to overshadow him and his men. Mr Conger hired a trained assassin to kill Justine. It was a cat and mouse game then. Justine had to keep one step ahead of her attacker. Who could she rely on? How was she going to be able to survive this?
Hero by Thomas Perry was a compelling suspense thriller. It kept me engaged for the most part and I found myself rooting for Justine. Since this was the first book that I’ve read by this author, I will definitely seek out some of his other books and any new books that he writes. I recommend Hero by Thomas Perry if you enjoy reading suspense thrillers.
Thank you to High Bridge Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Hero by Thomas Perry through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
TRUE CONFESSION:
Thomas Perry is one of my "hero" authors.
IMHO, he is the master of the ‘hunt and the hunted" suspense thrillers.
Thomas Perry's vast knowledge of the art and science of identity theft has never failed to wow me.
Needless to say, I was elated when my NetGalley request to review "Hero" by one of my "hero" authors was approved. (Thank you!)
When a female security guard kills two armed robbers, she becomes a target of the crime kingpin and the "hunt and the hunted" drama begins.
Although the book was good, it was not in the same league as Thomas Perry's earlier releases.
The book's pacing was uneven and the ending was abrupt.
At times, I found the book exhausting; lacking the sizzling element of suspense that I was seeking from one of my favorite "hero" authors.
I listened to the audiobook read by Christina Delaine. Although Christina Delaine's narration was good, it was not great.
Narrator Michael Kramer narrated all of my favorite Thomas Perry books and perhaps I would have enjoyed this audiobook more with a Michael Kramer narration.
February 15, 2024
Just okay as Thomas Perry has written better. 4 of 10 stars
March 3, 2024
I enjoy this author, for the most part. I have typically found his books to be pleasantly frivolous escapism. But not something that would make me feel like this is absolutely the book I must read!
Still, when this one came out, I thought, why not try reading him again, and immediately ordered it from my local library.
Premise: Our main character Justine works for a Los Angeles security firm that usually provides protection and security for the ultra-rich and celebrities.
When Justine foils a robbery of one of their clients, by killing 2 of the robbers and having the 3 remaining caught by the police, she suddenly becomes an unwanted “hero” in the media. This immediately puts her in the crosshairs of the local mobster who had employed the robbers. And his reaction is to put a hit on her.
Thus, the story becomes a chase between the hit man Leo Sealy, and Justine who is running and hiding for her life from him.
To tell more would give away the overall plot and ending.
Just know this…
In typical Perry fashion, readers experience an intense, page-turning, thrill ride suspense thriller, that sets us up wondering if she will be able to out-run and, possibly turn the tables on this killer and the mobster that hired him.
The Burglar Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Forty Thieves Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Still, when this one came out, I thought, why not try reading him again, and immediately ordered it from my local library.
Premise: Our main character Justine works for a Los Angeles security firm that usually provides protection and security for the ultra-rich and celebrities.
When Justine foils a robbery of one of their clients, by killing 2 of the robbers and having the 3 remaining caught by the police, she suddenly becomes an unwanted “hero” in the media. This immediately puts her in the crosshairs of the local mobster who had employed the robbers. And his reaction is to put a hit on her.
Thus, the story becomes a chase between the hit man Leo Sealy, and Justine who is running and hiding for her life from him.
To tell more would give away the overall plot and ending.
Just know this…
In typical Perry fashion, readers experience an intense, page-turning, thrill ride suspense thriller, that sets us up wondering if she will be able to out-run and, possibly turn the tables on this killer and the mobster that hired him.
The Burglar Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Forty Thieves Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 11, 2024
Thomas Perry returns following Murder Book (2023) My favorite (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 home of two of her clients, she was launched in the media 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 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
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
Jan Newsletter
Justine Poole provides security (bodyguard) for the wealthy and high-profile Hollywood stars. When she prevented a robbery at one of the Beverly Hills home of two of her clients, she was launched in the media 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 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
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
Jan Newsletter
August 19, 2024
Justine is a private security agent. She stops a robbery of a wealthy client becoming the city “hero.” Now she’s the target of a wealthy, powerful and ruthless monster.
September 19, 2023
Thomas Perry writes exciting fast paced fun thrillers . This is a fast paced read that needs to be read cover to cover in one sitting. This is a new protagnist and a stand alone that has potential for further books.
Thank you to the publisher, the author and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
Justine is a highly trained celebrity bodyguard and expert shot. She has worked for the same company since college that protects the rich and celebrity clientile of Los Angeles. She has training in protection of clients. Her skills are in demand with her security company. She likes her boss who is her mentor and good friend.
When she stops a robbery of two clients by shooting and killing two of the robbers in her clients driveway she is targeted by the hit man hired by the gang that runs the robbery ring. Soon her boss is murdered trying to protect her , she is fired and the hit man is one step behind her to take her out. She is smart, savvy and able to outsmart the hit man at every turn. A exciting thriller I enjoyed reading. Well done to Thomas Perry. This would make a excellent TV movie. A 5 star read.
Thank you to the publisher, the author and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
Justine is a highly trained celebrity bodyguard and expert shot. She has worked for the same company since college that protects the rich and celebrity clientile of Los Angeles. She has training in protection of clients. Her skills are in demand with her security company. She likes her boss who is her mentor and good friend.
When she stops a robbery of two clients by shooting and killing two of the robbers in her clients driveway she is targeted by the hit man hired by the gang that runs the robbery ring. Soon her boss is murdered trying to protect her , she is fired and the hit man is one step behind her to take her out. She is smart, savvy and able to outsmart the hit man at every turn. A exciting thriller I enjoyed reading. Well done to Thomas Perry. This would make a excellent TV movie. A 5 star read.
October 29, 2023
I am never disappointed with a Thomas Perry book. His newest novel, HERO, is no exception! The cat and mouse plot is unique. The round and dynamic characters propel the plot forward at a fast pace, culminating with a suspenseful climax and satisfying denouement. My one complaint is that the resolution ended too quickly- I didn’t want the story to end!
I recommend Hero to readers who like a clever plot with many cat and mouse scenarios, and an engaging and likable main character. The suspense is subtle but the intrigue is in seeing how the protagonist and antagonist outwit each other.
Mr. Perry excels in writer’s craft; he is a master storyteller, and my go-to author for an enjoyable reading experience!
My thanks to NetGalley, Mysterious Press and Thomas Perry for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of HERO. The opinions expressed are my own.
I recommend Hero to readers who like a clever plot with many cat and mouse scenarios, and an engaging and likable main character. The suspense is subtle but the intrigue is in seeing how the protagonist and antagonist outwit each other.
Mr. Perry excels in writer’s craft; he is a master storyteller, and my go-to author for an enjoyable reading experience!
My thanks to NetGalley, Mysterious Press and Thomas Perry for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of HERO. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 16, 2024
What’s not to like with a female heroine and a “bad guy” chasing her! An awesome plot-Justine Poole works for a private security firm then the twists and turns start. Oh what an ending…Enjoy
March 19, 2024
This is my first book by Thomas Perry. It was so-so. From the beginning, I knew the woman private security agent (Justine Poole) would win. The tone of the book was for her. The evil guy was hiring bad guys to go after her and there was a hint of romance between Justine and her boss. He got killed but she escaped. Perry has written many books, won many awards, and maybe he is tired. Many reviews praise him. I read the entire book and I was not very impressed. This is a quick read - bad guys versus good guys. But she has to struggle on her own after the boss is killed. And she plays her many roles well. If you have nothing else to read, is is ok. I was reminded of the cosy tea mystries.
November 6, 2023
Justine Poole is a bodyguard, working for a big name security firm. One night, she foils a push-in robbery of an elderly couple and kills two of the intruders. The next night, her boss is murdered and it becomes clear someone is coming after Justine. There is a crime boss behind the push-in robberies and he wants to make a statement regarding the deaths of his two henchmen and the assassin he sends out does not care how many innocent civilians get in the way of killing Justine. It is a long battle of wits between two adversaries who know what they are doing. Very edge of the seat writing, as usual for Thomas Perry.
October 6, 2023
“Hero” by Thomas Perry is a stand alone fast paced thriller about a female body guard who becomes a celebrity by protecting her famous & wealthy clients. She becomes the target of a professional killer because of “the job gone wrong” and we become engrossed in the cat and mouse chase that follows. Interesting and original storyline, but for me a bit slow in the middle.
Thank you NetGalley, Penzler Publishers, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Penzler Publishers, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2025
Justine Poole is a bodyguard working for a prestigious security outfit. When she ends up shooting 2 perps while on a job the man behind the attack in question feels he needs to make an example of her to prove how vicious he is.
This is the lead in to an exciting cat and mouse chase as Justine tries to evade the assassin.
This is the lead in to an exciting cat and mouse chase as Justine tries to evade the assassin.
October 5, 2023
3.75 Stars 🌟
I'm usually a fan of Mr. Perry and was excited to be awarded this ARC that is apparently a stand alone novel. Unfortunately, this was not a favorite.
The story revolves around a female MC who is a security consultant in Los Angeles. One of their cases leads to an assassin being hired to "get rid of her" and the story starts from there. First of all, the lead up case that initially leads to the threat seemed to be a bit of a stretch- or at least it felt like a stretch to have that type of a ramification. She intervenes and kills two gang members in the course of an attempted carjacking and the remaining three others are arrested. The main criminal behind the gang action apparently felt that he lost face because of this - hence, the kill order.
Then, we totally leave the sphere of reality when this assassin seems to be able to find the MC no matter where she is and with no reasoning behind the ability. Yes, we all know that you can track credit card charges, but to somehow follow someone who leaves her car in a full airport garage parking lot, gets lost in the chaos of people and then doubles back and jumps in a cab and shares the ride with a total stranger for an hour cab ride? Yet, the assassin just seems to immediately show up on the street in front of the totally random coffee shop that she walked to? How? Not from a phone, nor from any purchase nor did he follow her. Things like that probably wouldn't be a problem if it was a one off, but the entire second half of the book was filled with situations that were similar. It proceeded to continually pull me out of the story.
The story itself is very fast paced and full of action. The female MC is a likeable and competent character that you can not help but root for.
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
I'm usually a fan of Mr. Perry and was excited to be awarded this ARC that is apparently a stand alone novel. Unfortunately, this was not a favorite.
The story revolves around a female MC who is a security consultant in Los Angeles. One of their cases leads to an assassin being hired to "get rid of her" and the story starts from there. First of all, the lead up case that initially leads to the threat seemed to be a bit of a stretch- or at least it felt like a stretch to have that type of a ramification. She intervenes and kills two gang members in the course of an attempted carjacking and the remaining three others are arrested. The main criminal behind the gang action apparently felt that he lost face because of this - hence, the kill order.
Then, we totally leave the sphere of reality when this assassin seems to be able to find the MC no matter where she is and with no reasoning behind the ability. Yes, we all know that you can track credit card charges, but to somehow follow someone who leaves her car in a full airport garage parking lot, gets lost in the chaos of people and then doubles back and jumps in a cab and shares the ride with a total stranger for an hour cab ride? Yet, the assassin just seems to immediately show up on the street in front of the totally random coffee shop that she walked to? How? Not from a phone, nor from any purchase nor did he follow her. Things like that probably wouldn't be a problem if it was a one off, but the entire second half of the book was filled with situations that were similar. It proceeded to continually pull me out of the story.
The story itself is very fast paced and full of action. The female MC is a likeable and competent character that you can not help but root for.
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
November 2, 2023
Something about the way this book was written seemed like it was more of a true crime document than a mystery novel. It rang close to Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' in relation to style. So for anyone interested in this sort of style this book will be a very entertaining and engaging read. The main character has an interesting backstory that you figure out throughout the novel and the main antagonist's skill is entertaining.
However, I personally did not feel very drawn to this book. The characters, while seemingly engaging, are very bland and the dialogue felt very flat. The book seemed very scripted and nothing felt natural. Every single event and detail was noted and explained to the point where the writing became redundant. Reading this felt like being taught murder mysteries rather than experiencing a character go through it.
With that being said, this book wasn't necessarily bad, it just wasn't for me. I like to follow along with a character and find things out as the story progresses. This book almost seemed like an instruction manual which wasn't engaging for me. Despite my dislike, I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of true crime/thriller novels.
However, I personally did not feel very drawn to this book. The characters, while seemingly engaging, are very bland and the dialogue felt very flat. The book seemed very scripted and nothing felt natural. Every single event and detail was noted and explained to the point where the writing became redundant. Reading this felt like being taught murder mysteries rather than experiencing a character go through it.
With that being said, this book wasn't necessarily bad, it just wasn't for me. I like to follow along with a character and find things out as the story progresses. This book almost seemed like an instruction manual which wasn't engaging for me. Despite my dislike, I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of true crime/thriller novels.
February 2, 2024
Another remorselessly efficient, machine-tooled Perry story, and I'll keep reading 'em as long as he keeps writing 'em. This is a remarkably taut and logical two-person chase for most of the novel, with our titular hero foiling a follow-home robbery (which I guess is a term?) by shooting two of the robbers and then getting targeted by the crime boss who ordered the robbery. (I repeat my notion that some game-theory expert should try mapping out Perry's novels, which so often revolve around assumptions and guesstimates about what the opposing player is going to do--and especially, in the Butcher Boy novels, misreadings--that ramify as each side gains more information about the other's response to their moves.) So it's cat-and-mouse between her and the assassin for about 200 pages, including an impressively suspenseful, and very Hitchcockian (I think of North by Northwest), scene in an airport Lyft line. And I appreciate that the climax is quick and sharp, not one of those massive fights where Our Hero is just about to fall and miraculously recovers. Here, it's over in a flash. Among the useful bits of information: how to go to ground in an age of social media; where to sit in a coffee shop when you're fairly sure an expert assassin is targeting you; how to find someone who's hiding in a city of eight million people; how to sneak into and out of various ordinary, and not-ordinary, spots, and where and why not to try to assassinate someone (e.g. in a ritzy hotel)...oh, and how to store your very powerful flashlight in a drawer for maximum utility and speed. Quite a lot of bodyguarding lore, which certainly sounds authoritative and true, though who knows? Amidst all the other expert advice, this easily passes my "willing suspension of disbelief" threshold.
Would I watch the movie of this? Of course I would watch the movie of this.
Would I watch the movie of this? Of course I would watch the movie of this.
April 14, 2024
I had the opportunity to meet this author at a book festival and decided to try one of his books - which of course I had him sign.
I was impressed by the research and details of his story and of course & I am always in for a female heroine !
Will read his books again.
Enjoyable, easy read
I was impressed by the research and details of his story and of course & I am always in for a female heroine !
Will read his books again.
Enjoyable, easy read
November 3, 2024
3 or 3.5 stars. A serviceable, worksmanlike airport bookstore thriller - easily read during a medium length flight. Better than average, yes, but not outstanding or, I suspect, particularly memorable.
October 11, 2024
This author never disappoints. I enjoyed this book very much, and now that I write that down I realize I will have to change the rating to 5 stars rather than 4.
The heroic and otherwise characters that people this tale are unique and hold the rapt attention of the reader from page one to finish. Great yarn!
Library Loan
The heroic and otherwise characters that people this tale are unique and hold the rapt attention of the reader from page one to finish. Great yarn!
Library Loan
February 11, 2024
Thomas Perry never writes a bad book and this thriller is one of his best. He weaves these incredible situations, which put the protagonist into seemingly impossible circumstances, and then cleverly extricates them time after time. Just a great read!
February 3, 2024
Justine Poole is in her late twenties and working for Los Angeles security firm Spengler-Nash. She is really good at her job and enjoys the variety from bodyguard protection to following stand-up comics to watch their sets in case unruly fans seek to attack them.
All of this changes on her way home from her latest gig when her boss, Ben Spengler, gives her a call. He has been watching the wealthy and famous Hollywood senior couple the Pinsky's as they ate at a local diner where they were obviously being tracked by a car full of bandits. Ben asks Justine to go to the Pinsky's house while he tracked them from the diner, and to keep her eyes open. Ben's instincts were correct as the car of five all attempt to rob the Pinsky's house and a shoot out occurs. Justine takes down two of the bandits with her weapon and calls the police to nab the remaining three. Justine is now a local hero.
Thus begins the latest novel from veteran crime/thriller writer, Thomas Perry, entitled HERO. Though Ben Spengler does his best to keep Justine and the Security Firm out of the limelight for safety reasons, the media will always find a way. This is bad news for them as a local mobster named Mr. Conger is not happy that a 'girl' took down two of her guys. He feels that if retribution is not immediately done then the three other men will squeal about him and his operation while in custody.
This brings about our principal antagonist of the story, a deadly and ruthless hitman named Leo Sealy. Conger has hired him to take out Justine Poole to save face for his criminal organization. Finding her, however, will not be as easy as expected. First off, all employees of Spengler-Nash work under a pseudonym. Her real name is Anna Kepka, and she has made sure that she has no social media footprint to follow. Ben Spengler also has Justine sleeping at the office where they are heavily guarded.
Believing that Justine may be housed at the home of Ben Spengler, Sealy shows up there and breaks in to search for her. Things end violently with guns being fired between Sealy and Spengler and, regrettably, Ben is left dead outside his home. Now, Justine is really on her own, especially since Ben's family who are taking control of the company think it best that they sever ties with her effective immediately.
On her own, Justine latches on to the first innocent person who she believes she can hide out with in Los Angeles. This ends up being an unwitting television writer originally from upstate New York who is living in a friend's home while he off filming in Canada. This young man, named Joe Alston, takes Justine in but very quickly realizes who she really is --- especially since she gave him the name of 'Anna'.
Justine learns that Joe has not only found out her identity but has chosen to make her the subject of his most recent story. Not knowing whether or not she can trust him is one issue, with the much larger one being her staying away from Leo Sealy who she knows is out to eliminate her permanently. The cat and mouse suspense that Thomas Perry creates here is quite viable and done in that easy, old-school style he has well mastered. Above and beyond this, the story provides the reader with much to think about in reference to the difference between being a hero or a vigilante. Justine ends up being much more than Leo bargained for and that is what drives HERO through to its' breathless finale.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
All of this changes on her way home from her latest gig when her boss, Ben Spengler, gives her a call. He has been watching the wealthy and famous Hollywood senior couple the Pinsky's as they ate at a local diner where they were obviously being tracked by a car full of bandits. Ben asks Justine to go to the Pinsky's house while he tracked them from the diner, and to keep her eyes open. Ben's instincts were correct as the car of five all attempt to rob the Pinsky's house and a shoot out occurs. Justine takes down two of the bandits with her weapon and calls the police to nab the remaining three. Justine is now a local hero.
Thus begins the latest novel from veteran crime/thriller writer, Thomas Perry, entitled HERO. Though Ben Spengler does his best to keep Justine and the Security Firm out of the limelight for safety reasons, the media will always find a way. This is bad news for them as a local mobster named Mr. Conger is not happy that a 'girl' took down two of her guys. He feels that if retribution is not immediately done then the three other men will squeal about him and his operation while in custody.
This brings about our principal antagonist of the story, a deadly and ruthless hitman named Leo Sealy. Conger has hired him to take out Justine Poole to save face for his criminal organization. Finding her, however, will not be as easy as expected. First off, all employees of Spengler-Nash work under a pseudonym. Her real name is Anna Kepka, and she has made sure that she has no social media footprint to follow. Ben Spengler also has Justine sleeping at the office where they are heavily guarded.
Believing that Justine may be housed at the home of Ben Spengler, Sealy shows up there and breaks in to search for her. Things end violently with guns being fired between Sealy and Spengler and, regrettably, Ben is left dead outside his home. Now, Justine is really on her own, especially since Ben's family who are taking control of the company think it best that they sever ties with her effective immediately.
On her own, Justine latches on to the first innocent person who she believes she can hide out with in Los Angeles. This ends up being an unwitting television writer originally from upstate New York who is living in a friend's home while he off filming in Canada. This young man, named Joe Alston, takes Justine in but very quickly realizes who she really is --- especially since she gave him the name of 'Anna'.
Justine learns that Joe has not only found out her identity but has chosen to make her the subject of his most recent story. Not knowing whether or not she can trust him is one issue, with the much larger one being her staying away from Leo Sealy who she knows is out to eliminate her permanently. The cat and mouse suspense that Thomas Perry creates here is quite viable and done in that easy, old-school style he has well mastered. Above and beyond this, the story provides the reader with much to think about in reference to the difference between being a hero or a vigilante. Justine ends up being much more than Leo bargained for and that is what drives HERO through to its' breathless finale.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
February 11, 2024
Blazed through this book in a day! Thrilled by the female protagonist and the way the story was told. Hoping I can find more crime fiction as good as this one.
January 28, 2024
In this novel, Justine Poole shoots and kills two of the five men who were attempting to rob an elderly couple. A very rich couple. Justine is a professional bodyguard. She saved the day, but the man who ran these thugs wants her dead, so he can save face. So, he hires a professional hitman to get rid of her. The chase is on and it is non stop action.
Loved the book. Loved the characters. I love this author.
Loved the book. Loved the characters. I love this author.
January 30, 2024
I love Thomas Perry, and this is one of his best action thrillers. If you’re looking for a book you can’t put down until you’re finished, this is the one! Surprising plot twists kept me on the edge of my chair.
I was looking for a book to while away a rainy, cold Sunday. I got much more than I bargained for. My husband immediately started it when I finished, and loved it, too!
I was looking for a book to while away a rainy, cold Sunday. I got much more than I bargained for. My husband immediately started it when I finished, and loved it, too!
January 16, 2024
Saving her clients’ lives makes her a hero in the press…and paints a target on her back.
Justine Poole works for a company that provides security for wealthy celebrities and business people in LA., and she is very good at her job. When her boss calls her late one night to back him up as he escorts home two of their high profile clients, she heads to the clients’ home to clear it in advance. A crew of robbers arrive on the heels of the clients, and Justine is in place to call the police and keep the clients safe. There is one of her and five of the thieves, but Justine prevails….she shoots two and the police round up the other three. She is hailed in the press as a hero, but her employer is concerned that whoever has been organizing these targeted follow-home thefts will want to retaliate against her. A crew of five taken down by just one person? And a woman at that? Embarrassing. When her boss is found dead in his home a day later, Justine fears that he was right and that she was the intended victim. The new owners of the company, her deceased boss’s siblings, fire Justine, saying that it is too dangerous to keep her on the payroll. Then the press ferrets out her name, her address and ultimately her photograph, making the job of killing her that much easier for Leo Sealy, the contract assassin hired to do so. Now on the run and unable to rely on her former colleagues to help, Justine has only her skills and instincts to keep herself alive, and she is up against a formidable opponent in Leo. Two consummate professionals well trained in the arts of concealment and the hunt match wits with moves and countermoves, and even with the help of an initially unwitting freelance journalist Justine may run out of time and luck.
A taut, well-paced thriller with an engaging protagonist in Justine, who is able to shrug off her grief at the loss of her boss and mentor as well as the panic of knowing that she is being stalked by a predator whose mission is to end her life. The behind the scenes details of the people whose job it is to keep the famous and infamous safe while in the spotlight were fascinating, and added to my enjoyment of the story. While I certainly wasn’t rooting for Leo (who roots for the killer?) I could certainly appreciate his craft and cunning….this is no brutish thug, he considers himself a careful professional. Plenty of twists and turns along the way, and an interesting end. Fans of Mr. Perry’s earlier works will likely enjoy Hero as well, and I would further also recommend it those who like Michael Connelly, Gregg Hurwitz and Isabella Maldonado. Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy. In exchange for my honest review.
Justine Poole works for a company that provides security for wealthy celebrities and business people in LA., and she is very good at her job. When her boss calls her late one night to back him up as he escorts home two of their high profile clients, she heads to the clients’ home to clear it in advance. A crew of robbers arrive on the heels of the clients, and Justine is in place to call the police and keep the clients safe. There is one of her and five of the thieves, but Justine prevails….she shoots two and the police round up the other three. She is hailed in the press as a hero, but her employer is concerned that whoever has been organizing these targeted follow-home thefts will want to retaliate against her. A crew of five taken down by just one person? And a woman at that? Embarrassing. When her boss is found dead in his home a day later, Justine fears that he was right and that she was the intended victim. The new owners of the company, her deceased boss’s siblings, fire Justine, saying that it is too dangerous to keep her on the payroll. Then the press ferrets out her name, her address and ultimately her photograph, making the job of killing her that much easier for Leo Sealy, the contract assassin hired to do so. Now on the run and unable to rely on her former colleagues to help, Justine has only her skills and instincts to keep herself alive, and she is up against a formidable opponent in Leo. Two consummate professionals well trained in the arts of concealment and the hunt match wits with moves and countermoves, and even with the help of an initially unwitting freelance journalist Justine may run out of time and luck.
A taut, well-paced thriller with an engaging protagonist in Justine, who is able to shrug off her grief at the loss of her boss and mentor as well as the panic of knowing that she is being stalked by a predator whose mission is to end her life. The behind the scenes details of the people whose job it is to keep the famous and infamous safe while in the spotlight were fascinating, and added to my enjoyment of the story. While I certainly wasn’t rooting for Leo (who roots for the killer?) I could certainly appreciate his craft and cunning….this is no brutish thug, he considers himself a careful professional. Plenty of twists and turns along the way, and an interesting end. Fans of Mr. Perry’s earlier works will likely enjoy Hero as well, and I would further also recommend it those who like Michael Connelly, Gregg Hurwitz and Isabella Maldonado. Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy. In exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2024
Got it today, read it today! As always, Mr. Perry writes a page turner. I love a book, I see the action playing out in my head.
June 23, 2025
Oh! I do love a good Thomas Perry and this one hit the mark! The hero reminiscent of Jane Whitfield!
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