Finished Runner by Thomas Perry. This is the sixth and most recent book in his Jane Whitefield thriller series about a Native American “guide” who helps people change their identities.

In this one, Jane has retired from running her own version of the witness protection program. But when Christine, a young pregnant girl, comes to her for help, Jane can’t say no. She manages to hide Christine in Minnesota, far away from her abusive boyfriend, who needs their baby to collect on his inheritance. But when Christine is captured, Jane is determined to save her no matter what …

If you’ve never read Perry or any books in this series, you should. Perry writes crackerjack thrillers with plenty of action and characters that keep you guessing until the very end. I particularly like Jane’s character and her books.

Jane is smart, strong, and not afraid to use violence when she needs to. She helps people disappear to give them a second chance at life, not for any personal gain on her own part. In fact, the only person who knows what Jane does is her husband, but she doesn’t whine about the lack of people or close relationships in her life. Jane never whines, never, which is what makes her so kick-ass. 

That being said, some of this book felt like a retread of the other titles in the series, especially when Jane explains to Christine all the things that she can’t do anymore (like visit her dad in jail or call her friends back home). Anybody who’s ever watched a cop show or movie should know basics like that. But Christine slips up anyway and gets captured.

But I have to say that the last third of the book when Jane goes to save her is the best part, especially reading about how Jane takes down a group of hired killers. It’s refreshing to read about a heroine who uses simple tools and common sense to solve problems.

Overall, if you like thrillers, give this book a chance. Thumbs up.

Up next: Something from the TBR pile.

Books in my TBR pile: About 20.