Book Review: Unwanted Company

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Unwanted Company     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Barbara Seranella
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Series: Munch Mancini # 3
Harper, Feb 2000, $24.00, 352 pp.

Miranda “Munch” Mancini is an ex-con and a former addict who has stayed clean for seven years. She lives for Asia, a child who owns her heart in spite of being someone else’s offspring. She tries to stay squeaky clean, but when Ellen, a close friend is released from jail, Munch takes the woman into her home. She provides Ellen a job as a driver of the one of the limousine that make up Ellen’s fleet. However, Munch fails to anticipate that Ellen will pick up a fare without informing her benefactor.

Ellen and the limousine disappear somewhere in Tijuana. By the time the vehicle is found, Ellen and her passengers have fled the scene. Apparently in the border town, Ellen has witnessed a horrible murder that links back to a Los Angeles serial killer, The “Band Aid Killer”. Munch’s friend, police detective Mace St. John feels he knows the identity of the perpetrator, but cannot touch the killer because of a CIA connection. When the culprit threatens Asia, the mass murderer finds Munch, Ellen, and Mac as formidable opponents ready to do anything to stop him.

Readers will deeply care what happens to Munch and Asia. Munch is flawed, but has an inner strength to climb out from the abyss and become a positive member of society. She represents hope and survival regardless of the odds against success. Each character has a voice in the swiftly moving story line. That technique works because the talented Barbara Seranella capably allows the audience to observe the inner thoughts and feelings of the main players. With novels like UNWANTED COMPANY and NO HUMAN INVOLVED, Ms. Seranella is gaining a reputation for exciting tales.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner