Jodi Thomas, Finding Mary Blaine

Finding Mary Blaine

Jodi Thomas

Mira, Aug 2004, $6.50, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0778320642

In Austin, Texas, Blaine and Mark Anderson barely talk to one another as their lives have become comfortably managed by him. An attorney, Mark is considering running for public office, but does not contemplate Blaine's fears of public appearances. Mark goes on to work while Blaine leaves him a note that she is going to a clinic and they need to talk later.

An explosion rips through the clinic killing some people including a nurse holding Blaine's coat and rings while she was being examined. Blaine, now knowing she is pregnant, survives in a daze, but the papers declare her dead when Mark recognizes her jewelry.

Unable to reach her spouse, Blaine goes undercover using her first and middle name Mary Blaine hiding in a homeless environment as the bomber, realizing she lived, searches for her. When Mark learns his wife is alive, he begins a street search for her because he loves her and rejects the notion that she just simply left him. With the help of street people, Blaine survives and makes friends, but the killer is coming and aid from her spouse is cut off by his employer.

FINDING MARY BLAINE is an exhilarating romantic suspense that focuses on a mousy heroine surviving by befriending street people. The story line moves forward at a fast clip, but readers gain an appreciation for Mary, Mark, and several folks she befriends. Though the inability to reach Mark sees odd in an age of communication even with his mentor manipulating much of the scenario, fans will appreciate this rousing look at the plight of the homeless wrapped inside an exciting thriller.

Harriet Klausner