The Watchman by Robert Crais

The latest Robert Crais novel features Joe Pike, partner to Crais series regular Elvis Cole. A favor is called in and Pike is asked to protect LA rich girl, Larkin Barkley, whose life is in danger after seeing something she shouldn't have as the result of being in a car accident. Pike realizes he must go solo (sans the authorities) to keep Larkin alive, with help from his old friend, Cole, of course. Pike has to find who wants Larkin dead in order to save her. Regular Crais readers will love the fact that Joe Pike finally has his own book and that some of his background is revealed. In fact, because the book is Pike's, not Cole's, it's a thriller rather than a mystery. Pike's worldview (ex-LAPD, ex-Marine, ex-mercenary) and his tenaciousness and toughness make the pages fly by. Lee Child's Jack Reacher series is a great read-alike.