BOOK NOOK: Is this the thriller of the year already - in January?

Last January Perry published “Hero,” yet another brilliant standalone. And now he has another one, “Pro Bono.” I assume this is also standalone? One never knows with Perry, he could decide he likes this current protagonist so much he’ll keep writing more books about him. We can hope, right?

You might surmise from the title this one features an attorney. Charles Warren is one of those workaholic types. A bachelor, he labors all day then continues working at home. He deals with many divorces. He’s also an accountant specializing in complex financial situations, extracting funds in settlements on behalf of his clients.

One day a potential client turns up on his doorstep seeking his advice. Vesper Ellis is an attractive young widow. She thinks somebody could be embezzling from her investments. Warren wants to help her. Not only because she’s beautiful. For him, this feels personal.

Some years ago Warren’s mother was victimized by a con artist. After Warren’s dad died his mother remarried a guy who proceeded to rip her off. Warren was a teenager when this happened. He had his suspicions, for one thing, his step-dad didn’t seem to have a job.

Perry opens the book by showing us what ultimately became of that larcenous Lothario; who died suddenly right after absconding with the last of his ill gotten gains. Warren’s mother was devastated. She could not understand how she had fallen for this guy and allowed him to steal almost all of her money.

Warren analyzes financial records for his new client-it quickly becomes apparent that yes, someone is stealing her money. Warren tries to call her to tell her what he knows. She doesn’t answer her phone. In fact it becomes apparent she has vanished. Very suspicious.

He calls the police. Thus begins an incredible adventure as Warren searches for this gorgeous damsel in distress. I’m treading lightly here. The beauty of this novel is in the composition. The author is that devilishly clever. It is such a delight to watch how he sets this whole thing up.

And in Charles Warren we have one of the most likeable protagonists ever. He is truly a good guy. There’s humor, thrills, even romance. It is only January but this might end up being the best thriller that I will read all year. It was so thoroughly entertaining.