If in another life author Richard A. Danzig decided to become a standup comic, well, he could probably do a lot worse, given his spot-on talent for writing funny monologues for his comedian character Verne Slater in the recently released legal thriller, "Punch Line."

Despite what the book’s title might infer, "Punch Line" is anything but a comedy. Yet what Danzig shows in his ability to reel off one-liners for one of his central characters is his gift for the written word, which he employs to the fullest in this captivating, fast-paced and multilayered New York City narrative that neatly intertwines several storylines and characters we care about with some heavier societal and cultural themes.

When he’s not writing standup, he delivers lines like this: “You get justice in the next world, in this world you have the law.”

That philosophical wisdom will have its day in this intricate plot.

When we meet attorney Chance Cormac, he is settling in again to his cozy law practice after a six-month suspension for having used his boxing skills well outside the ring to mangle an opposing counsel. He immediately is presented with two prime cases: first, seeking damages for comedian Slater, who is assaulted and stabbed after a set at a comedy club in which he pokes fun at the trans community; and second, protecting the rights of his former legal assistant and lover Sally McConnel, who gave birth to her daughter Melody nine years earlier via in vitro fertilization and suddenly has the male donor claiming rights as the girl’s father.

Meanwhile, Danzig introduces readers to a fascinating character, Roland Wolff, a New York City police officer who exhibits transgender tendencies and becomes a member of the Trans Action Group (TAG), comprised mainly of former LGBTIQA+ organizations devoted to protecting the rights of people discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. The executive members forgo their names and are known only by colors. Roland is Red.

Red, the son of a doting mother and tough-guy cop father, was at the comedy club the night Slater was attacked. His actions and his double life straddle both of Cormac’s cases in a big way.

Cormac himself has a lot of baggage to unpack. He is a kind and brilliant attorney and mentor to law students Damian and Susan. But he is guarding against the peril of another slip up that could end his career and also trying to mend his romantic relationship with Sally, who now, a bit awkwardly, is a client.

So what, exactly, does Danzig mean about seeking “justice” vs. “the law?” Watch how he weaves in corrupt, self-serving lawyers and elected officials; fluidly and stylishly brings the plot to a boil; throws in a curve or two; and then seamlessly ties everything together.

In "Punch Line," Danzig provides a swift, edge-of-your-seat story along with some thought-provoking issues of human psychology and identity — everything from sexuality to father’s rights — that would make us remiss in labeling this work as just another thriller. Yes, it will keep readers enthralled and also bring to bear some difficult scenarios for his principles that will leave readers satisfied and contemplative at the same time.

In the end, does Danzig actually offer readers an overriding “punch line?” Let’s just say make sure the joke’s not on you!