From New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart comes a novel of sexy romantic suspense for fans of Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, and Karen Robards. BLOODLINE Dina McDermott is on top of the world. Attractive and independent at thirty, she runs her own business, funded by a generous inheritance. But an explosive chain of events will soon be set into motion—and her perfect life will spin out of control. A journalist with a fearless instinct, Simon Keller believes he’s struck gold when he unearths an unsettling story about former president Graham Hayward, one that started with a secret affair and ended in tragedy. The trail leads Simon to Dina McDermott’s front door—and threatens to expose a parentage that would rock the political world. Shaken to her core by a shattering truth, Dina is suddenly thrust into the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer—and on the run of her life. With good friends, a growing business she adores, and a mother who has always been there for her, landscape designer Dina McDermott thinks things are just about perfect until journalist Simon Keller uncovers a 30-year-old secret that could totally rearrange her life and possibly that of the country as well. But scandal isn't the only thing looming. A murderer has become active once again, and this time Dina's world is being targeted. Featuring careful plotting, especially good character descriptions, and enough red herrings to keep readers off balance, this engrossing contemporary romantic mystery provides an occasionally disconcerting glimpse into the lives and resources of the politically powerful and their obsession with public image and the destructive lengths some will go to maintain it. It will appeal to Stewart's growing fan base and readers who enjoy women-in-jeopardy tales. Stewart lives in the Philadelphia area. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Unemployed journalist Simon Keller is glad to get an offer from his former professor and publisher Philip Norton: if he writes a biography on popular former President Graham Hayward to help the president's son's upcoming bid for office, then Philip will publish Simon's other project and pay him a bundle. But Simon uncovers an unlikely story about the straight-laced, morally upright former president. Not only did he have an affair 30 years ago but his beautiful mistress, Blythe Pierce, was mysteriously killed in a hit-and-run accident shortly after secretly giving birth to their child. While pursing the mystery, Simon meets Dina McDermott, the daughter of Blythe's best friend. Dina is a successful landscape architect living on Maryland's peaceful Eastern Shore and just happens to be a dead ringer for Blythe. Now Simon has to find Blythe's killer before the killer finds Dina. Stewart's fast-paced thriller is sure to please romance and mystery readers alike. Alexandra Shrake Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved ;br> Dina McDermott is on top of the world. Attractive and independent at thirty, she runs her own business, funded by a generous inheritance. But an explosive chain of events will soon be set into motionand her perfect life will spin out of control. A journalist with a fearless instinct, Simon Keller believes hes struck gold when he unearths an unsettling story about former president Graham Hayward, one that started with a secret affair and ended in tragedy. The trail leads Simon to Dina McDermotts front doorand threatens to expose a parentage that would rock the political world. Shaken to her core by a shattering truth, Dina is suddenly thrust into the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killerand on the run of her life. BLOODLINE Dina McDermott is on top of the world. Attractive and independent at thirty, she runs her own business, funded by a generous inheritance. But an explosive chain of events will soon be set into motion--and her perfect life will spin out of control. A journalist with a fearless instinct, Simon Keller believes he's struck gold when he unearths an unsettling story about former president Graham Hayward, one that started with a secret affair and ended in tragedy. The trail leads Simon to Dina McDermott's front door--and threatens to expose a parentage that would rock the political world. Shaken to her core by a shattering truth, Dina is suddenly thrust into the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer--and on the run of her life. Mariah Stewart is the bestselling author of ten novels and three novellas. A RITA finalist for romantic suspense, she is the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO (Reviewers International) Award honoring excellence in women’s fiction, a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine, and a two-time recipient of the Golden Leaf Award for contemporary romance. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives in a Philadelphia suburb with her husband, two teenage daughters, and two rambunctious golden retrievers in a century old Victorian country home