One of the Greatest Medical Mysteries of All Time "Relentless: The Search For Typhoid Mary" details the search for, the torment and the persecution of Mary Mallon - Typhoid Mary. It is the first book that gives her a voice and humanity. It shows why - of all the typhoid carriers in New York at the time - and there were hundreds - she alone was locked up for years in solitary confinement. It is a story as relevant today as it was in 1906. It deals with issues that fill today's nightly news; public health, immigration, class and economic warfare, the war on women, prejudice, injustice and the plight of minorities. What Readers Say: - "I had trouble putting this book down. It presents the tale in the style of good historical fiction, though it is clearly based on fact, and it is an engaging read." - Jennifer Davis - "This was one of the most exciting historical novels I've read in a long time... It reads very much like a mystery detective novel, with the clues and chase driving the plot." - Tienne McKenzie A story about the ground breaking investigation into the cause of typhoid - an epidemic killer of hundreds of thousands. In 1906, Dr. George Soper, of the New York Department of Health, was hired to investigate a single typhoid outbreak in Oyster Bay, New York. This investigation led him to identifying the cause of all the typhoid epidemics that had plagued the world throughout history. His investigation was thrilling and masterful. The key was the Irish cook, Mary Mallon; Typhoid Mary. Working with her employment agency, Soper discovered that she had left a trail of typhoid dating back six years. Typhoid Mary is still known as a medical villain, but is she? Or, is she a courageous, hard working, responsible person who had the misfortune of being an unattractive, unmarried woman and Irish immigrant at a time when, "Irish Need Not Apply" could be seen on signs advertising housing and jobs throughout the City? Was she persecuted for fighting for her rights? Or, was she simply a victim of New York's rich and powerful? If you like books like "The Hot Zone" pick up a copy today.
About the Author: Joan Meijer writes fiction and non-fiction. The daughter of author and fitness expert Bonnie Prudden and co-author of five books with Suzy Prudden, Joan has written dozens of books and close to 60 short stories. Her training as a New York City Paramedic guided her to a fascination with medical history - particularly in the area of epidemics. Typhoid Mary is the first of her novels in this arena. Relentless: The Search For Typhoid Mary is a reflection of Meijer's life. She grew up in her grandparents mansion in Westchester County New York which was filled with servants like Mary. Later, she lived in a New York City tenement at a time when New York still had many of these buildings and architecture was transitioning from old to very new. Life in New York has always fascinated Meijer and this is the perfect book to reflect her interest. Other novels by Joan Meijer include: "The Provenance" which is a dramatic story based on a riveting rescue that happened two blocks from her home in Manhattan in 1985. "The Initiative" a medical and political thriller written under the pen name John Russell which postulates what might happen if anthrax was let loose in New York City. It is the first book of a series featuring Cassandra Williams of the CDC. "The President's Dirty Little Secret," also written as John Russell, is the tale of David McLaughlin investigative reporter who has stumbled on a trail of violence and bloodshed that he must figure out to save his own life and that of his teenage daughter. Meijer also writes thrillers under the pen name John Russell. Her Thrillers include: "The Initiative: A Cassandra Williams Medical Thriller" about an anthrax attack on New York City. "The President's Dirty Little Secret: a Political Thriller" which takes Investigative Reporter David McLaughlin all the way to the oval office and a scandal that could affect the next election. "Accidental Consequences" An alternative history loose nukes in America thriller which suggests a terrifying outcome for the outing of Valerie Plame.