Novels & Books
Second Advent
The first book in the Nick Bertetto mystery series. When former investigative reporter Nick Bertetto, now a stay-at-home dad, is asked to return to his hometown of Clinton, Indiana to attend the funeral of the town patriarch, he has no idea it’ll put him at the center of a contested will, competitive religious sects, murder, and a miracle.
Reviews: ” (A) distinctive first novel.” — Publishers Weekly
“A winning first novel.” — Mystery Scene magazine
“Perona’s got the makings of a major writer.” — Forthcoming Books
Angels Whisper
The second book in the Nick Bertetto series. When former investigative reporter/stay-at-home dad Nick Bertetto almost hits a homeless man wandering down a highway, he uncovers links to a missing state congressman, prostitution, gambling, murder, the mob, and angels who whisper about death.
Reviews: “The second in a series to watch.” — Booklist
“Angels Whisper is a really good story, with convincing characters and jolts readers anywhere (will) enjoy.” — The Indianapolis Star
“Perona is as adept at evoking laughter as he is at creating a sense of menace.” — Mystery Scene
Saintly Remains
The third in the Nick Bertetto series. Stay-at-home dad Nick Bertetto and his family visit his wife’s parents in Jasper, Indiana, only to have Nick pulled into an investigation that involves a Columbine-style massacre, a Satanic cult, an attempted robbery of saintly relics from a nearby cathedral, and a missing corpse. The connection proves to be something far deadlier than anyone imagines.
Reviews: “Think a visit to your in-laws is scary? Wait till you hear what happens to freelance reporter Nick Bertetto and his family. Nick’s third appearance proves his investigative skills as sharp as ever…” — Kirkus Reviews
“This third in the series has a well-developed, likable main character and a face-paced plot with a touch of the supernatural.” — Booklist Review
“The engaging characters and timely plot make Perona’s third mystery (after Second Advent and Angels Whisper) a compelling read.” — Library Journal Review
Other Books
Racing Can Be Murder
A collection of 19 short stories all revolving around the Indianapolis 500. I co-edited it with Brenda Robertson Stewart and contributed a short story as well. The book was a finalist for the 2008 Indiana Book of the Year award, fiction division, presented by the Indiana State Library.
