The President's Daughter

July 15, 2002
While writing a biography of Graham Hayward, the upright and highly regarded former president of the United States, journalist Simon Keller, the book's rather colorless protagonist, comes across landscape designer Dina McDermott, who may be Hayward's illegitimate daughter. The latter has grown up believing that Jude McDermott is her mother. Jude, torn between telling her "daughter" the truth and protecting her from it, is afraid that revealing her parentage may prove dangerous, especially since Dina's real mother, Blythe, was killed in a suspicious, unsolved hit-and-run years earlier. As Simon pieces together the events of the past, both he and Dina become the targets of people who will do anything to keep her true parentage a secret and the president's reputation intact. Stewart (Voices Carry) occasionally interrupts her narrative with mundane details, describing everything from how Dina enters a room to the music preferences of her hired help. For the most part, however, the novel swings from one surprising twist and turn to another at a breath-catching clip. A satisfying political thriller marked by believable intrigue and a touch of romance, this book, though not on par with those of Lisa Gardner or Linda Howard, is a worthwhile read.

August 12, 2002
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 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2002
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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)