Bob Purssell's THE O'LEARY ENIGMA Offers a Strong Female Protagonist

Heroine Barbara O'Leary boldly faces challenges with an unyielding sense of adventure and determination in Bob Purssell's new action packed novel, "The O'Leary Enigma" (published by iUniverse).

"The O'Leary Enigma" recounts the forces and events that shape adoptee Barbara O'Leary's life, from childhood until her first significant success as a naval officer. O'Leary is attractive, adventurous and opportunistic, despite many flaws and shortcomings.

Secrets pervade O'Leary's life. Who is her biological father? What caused her beautiful and troubled birth mother's death? How did O'Leary help her mentor outmaneuver a corporate rival? Why did she accept the assignment to Chad and that dangerous journey through a civil war?

Purssell's objective in writing was to turn the stereotypical female heroine on her head.
"I'm dissatisfied with novels that treat women as airheads, psychological wrecks, or unbelievable superheroes," says Purssell. "That's why I decided to create an alternative: A story about a heroine of strength and competence who must overcome her personal demons forged from a cloudy, frightening background."

"The O'Leary Enigma" also addresses current political topics, such as terrorism threats, military activity and interrogation methods; it has an exciting read that will empower women of all ages while addressing important political issues.

Bob Purssell graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked in engineering and management for 35 years. Now retired, he devotes himself to writing and racing autocross and go-karts. Purssell and his wife, Sandy, live in Brookfield, Conn. This is his debut novel.

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