Deadman's Switch: A Charlotte Lyon Mystery
by Barbara Seranella
Published by St. Martin's
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Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann
Seranella is the author of eight Munch Mancini mysteries. Mancini is a woman auto mechanic. This is the first in the Charlotte Lyons series.
Charlotte Lyons is a well-known consultant who is called when a company faces a horrible crisis such as a disaster, an accident, or thefts. She counsels them on how to deal with the public, the media, their shareholders, and their employees.
Charlotte even investigates, on occasion. A terrible train derailment in California calls her out to work for Sun Rail. There were only two deaths, but one was the experienced engineer. Many unanswered questions remain. Still recovering from her husband's death in an accident, she welcomes the distraction of intense work.
Charlotte is perfect for such a job--she has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and is always worrying about worse case scenarios. Along with strikingly handsome Todd Hannigan, an investigator for the Nation Transportation and Safety Board, she rummages around until she finds the truth to those unanswered questions.
Despite her home being invaded, being shot at by a sniper, dealing with a complaining hypochondriac mother (who actually seems to be sick this time when she is suddenly hospitalized), and dealing with her every-day fears, Charlotte manages to triumph.
This is a stellar first in a series with a fascinating and enjoyable character that has great promise. However, the author died in January of 2007, from liver disease while waiting for a liver transplant. Seranella grew up in California and had a wild youth, riding with a motorcycle club, running away from home, and when she decided to settle down, she became an auto mechanic.
Armchair Interviews says: Charlotte is one resilient woman.
Author's Web site: http://www.BarbaraSeranella.com