A Crack in Everything: A Susan Callisto Mystery

Susan Callisto, a Waltham, Mass., lawyer turned political consultant, finds that choosing clients can be deadly serious in Gerst's tightly constructed debut. Callisto is overwhelmed by fast-talking Charles Renfro when he dangles a check for $20,000 in a bid for her services in his hastily planned run for mayor of Telford. Callisto has other campaigns on her plate, including that of Roddie Baird, which demands a lot of babysitting. She's also representing restaurant owner and "half-stand-in" grandfather Nino Biondi in a dispute with his landlord, Peter Lombard. All three clients cause headaches, but the murder of Renfro's assistant, an attack on Biondi, and another on Callisto keep the plot roiling. Lt. Michael Benedict of the state police provides romantic interest and more complications. The plot unfolds like a set of Russian nesting dolls with each solution hiding yet another surprising development and each testing Callisto's resolve and resilience. (Sept.)