The Missing Mother: A Hallie Marsh Mystery

In Zellenbach's appealing second romantic mystery featuring San Francisco publicist Hallie Marsh (after 2009's Mystery of the Mermaid), Hallie's new flatmate, physical therapist Sara Bowman, asks Hallie for help in finding missing journalist Jenna Snow. Sara has been looking after wealthy Dale Redington, who's recovering from burns suffered when he tried to rescue an elderly man from a house fire and whose former nanny was taking care of Jenna's baby. Dale is under the care of Dr. Mitchell "Mitch" Cummings, who covets funding for a new clinic from Dale's family foundation. As Mitch begins an affair with Daisy, Dale's diva wife, Sara, and Dale grow closer. Hallie, aided by her fiancé, journalist Dan "Cas" Casserly, unearths two murders in her search for Jenna. Smooth prose and careful plotting will remind readers of early Mary Higgins Clark and Danielle Steel. (Feb.)