I’ve mentioned the author but not a title! That’s because when you read a Mary Higgins Clark book, you read her, Mary, the queen of suspense.
I have finished my 7th Mary Higgins Clark
book. I don’t even need to tell you the title because Ms. Clark has a no-fail
formula that consists of a compelling who dunnit, a female protagonist who is
always spunky and independent-minded and a setting that is usually New York
City or the tri-state area. There is a
healthy dose of District Attorneys and special investigators plus other
assorted characters who end up fitting together as if it’s a Dickens novel.
There are a lot of Catholic references and there’s a
fair amount of gritty violence and fright in her books but always presented
without gratuitous or graphic description.
There are truly unsavory characters but no foul language. There is almost always a romance.
What have I left out?
Only that her books are completely engaging and are easy reading for the
end of the day when you want to disconnect and unwind.
One thing I always wonder, though, why does Mary
always mention what her characters are eating?
For example, she writes, Dinner was pasta with a glass of red wine or They both
ordered omelettes, salads and coffee. Why
do you think?
Of the 7 books I’ve read, two stand out. Where Are the Children is a fast read
that is truly creepy. The other is her very first book, an historical novel
called Mount Vernon Love Story.
It’s about the marriage of George
and Martha Washington and was apparently a flop. Yet, in my opinion, this book is clearest
proof that Mary is in fact a very good writer.
She used an interesting chronology to present the story and she wrote
about the Washingtons with a gentle sort of realism, portraying them kindly,
but not blind to their faults.
I’ve read her at all because I picked up a hardcover
signed copy of Daddy’s Little Girl at our church bazaar for $1.
Do jump on the Mary Higgins Clark bandwagon!
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