Pirio Kasparov is a medical and biological anomaly. She survived for more than four hours in 40 degree water in the North Atlantic when the small fishing boat she was on was hit by a larger ship. Her survival in waters that would generally kill others within a short period of time is newsworthy, but for Pirio the much bigger issue is the fact that her friend Ned didn't survive the crash and she's beginning to suspect that his death was not an accident. The authorities conclude that the collision was an accident, but Ned's young son Noah is relying on Pirio to figure things out. And because she survived when Ned didn't, Pirio is determined to learn why. This even after her father, a powerful Russian businessman, warns her that nothing is as it seems and investigating may get her killed. Pirio perseveres and gains an ally in Russell Parnell, a reporter chasing the story of Ned's death.
Pirio is a great, read interesting, protagonist. Besides the fact that her very existence is a miracle - one the navy now wants to study - she's complicated and intelligent and all the things I look for in a mystery novel investigator. And she's surrounded by an equally intriguing supporting cast. Especially her father. Who is currently a fairly well-respected, retired businessman, but was once just thisclose to being a Russian gangster. So this one is definitely a recommended read and one that is old enough so that there are copies available right now, including in ebook form on Overdrive.