Dance for the Dead (Thomas Perry)

This second book in the Jane Whitefield series is even better than the first. The story begins with Jane helping to protect a little boy against the forces that want him dead for unknown reasons. As Jane keeps fighting for him, she gets involved with a second client, who needs to get away from men who want to kidnap her, also for unknown reasons. As she peels away the layers of deception and greed, she gets to a central enemy whose stunning brutality is threatening them both and, eventually, Jane herself. My only disappointment in this story is that the climactic scene is not shown from Jane's perspective. This heightens the suspense, but I did miss the chance to watch her mind work. She is an amazingly smart, principled, kick-ass woman, a hero for everyone of any gender.