“Downfall”: Whodunnit creates likable character

When Pen Wilkinson, an attorney and paraplegic, learns that someone is attempting to make her the scapegoat in a scandal that threatens the company she works for, she decides to fight back. 'Downfall” (Conquill Press, 347 pages, $15), Brian Lutterman's latest corporate thriller, is a twisty mystery in which Wilkinson must peel back several layers of deception to find those responsible for her plight.

Wilkinson is a likable character, and her back story - which reveals why she is confined to a wheelchair - adds depth to her tale. James Carter, the CEO taken down in the scandal, is an unlikely ally for Wilkinson, and Lutterman handles both the character's journey through the book and his relationship with Wilkinson well. Lutterman also has created a frightening villain whose taste for violence creates some disturbing moments.

The book is less successful in other areas, however. Most notably, Wilkinson and Carter find themselves talking with a great number of law enforcement officials throughout the book. None of these cops or agents seem to have the ability to share information between them, so two characters who are caught up in a series of chilling events pass through various stations and offices without any connections being made.

An awkward perspective change late in the book as well as a nod toward romance that feels tacked are less problematic, but still distracting from Lutterman's story. Nevertheless, he pulls off two excellent confrontations - one between Wilkerson and the sadistic killer and one between Wilkerson and a collection of powerful, aloof figures - that are well crafted and satisfying.

'Downfall” isn't a perfect book, but it has its upsides.

Book signing

'What: Brian Lutterman signs copies of 'Downfall”

'Where: Barnes & Noble, 333 Collins Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids

'When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28

'Cost: Free