Relentless: The Search for Typhoid Mary is about to be released in paperback. This story of the search for the cause of an epidemic that cost 250,000 lives a year in the early 20th century (10% of those infected) is riveting.

In 1906 Dr. George Soper of the New York Department of Health was invited to investigate the illusive cause of a Typhoid outbreak in Oyster Bay, New York - home of the Summer White House of President Theodore Roosevelt. The investigation - fascinating in its own right - led to the identification of the first human typhoid carrier, an Irish immigrant named Mary Mallon (Typhoid Mary).

What makes this novel particularly interesting is Mary herself. Mary Mallon immigrated to America at the age of 15, researched available work, found that cooking paid the best of all domestic service opportunities and mastered the skill to the point that in 1906 she was the preferred cook of many of New York’s wealthiest citizens. At a time when "Irish need not apply" signs dotted the New York landscape, Mary was a stand out for success.  George Soper changed all that. This story is as much about one proud woman's fight for freedom as it is about the fascinating investigation that caused her to be locked away in solitary confinement with out a hearing, a trial, representation or any other form of law that Americans so honor.

The story deals with issues we face today; Diseases that threaten to run rampant and their effect on law enforcement and human rights, immigration, how the wants of the wealthy affect those less fortunate than they are and the war on women and minorities. It is a fascinating story in every aspect. Most importantly it is a story that needs to be told for the woman who was villainized by the people who persecuted her for Mary Mallon was persecuted by the New York Department of Health.