From Queen of Suspense Mary Higgins Clark, a thriller “that grabs you with the first paragraph and never lets go” (USA TODAY) about a woman desperate to uncover the truth behind her beloved stepmother’s death. At a party in Manhattan, Maggie Holloway–one of the fashion world’s most successful photographers–is thrilled to be reunited with her beloved stepmother. A widow now, Nuala Moore is … now, Nuala Moore is equally delighted to see her long-lost stepdaughter, and she invites Maggie to spend a few weeks at her home in Newport, Rhode Island. But when Maggie arrives, she finds Nuala murdered, apparently by a burglar.
Heartbroken, Maggie is stunned to learn she had inherited Nuala’s stunning Victorian home…and horrified when she begins to suspect that Nuala’s death was not random, but part of a diabolical plot conceived by a twisted mind. When Nuala’s dear old friend, Greta Shipley, dies suddenly of supposedly natural causes, Maggie is convinced that there is a link between these two and other recent deaths among the older women of Newport. What she doesn’t realize is that she has now become a target for the killer as well, and that each clue she uncovers brings her closer to an unimaginable fate.
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It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Mary Higgins Clark. I was anxious to try this one because of a plot thread regarding Victorian burial customs. Maggie Holloway reconnects with her stepmother, Nuala, at a cocktail party. The two women haven’t seen each other since Maggie was a child but their connection is immediate. Shortly afterward, Nuala is murdered by an unknown assailant and Maggie inherits her home.
The plot involves residents of Latham Manor, a luxury living center for seniors, complete with medical staff on the premises. Maggie becomes friendly with one of Nuala’s friends, only to have that woman die unexpectedly. She soon realizes that several residents of Latham Manor have passed away in a short amount of time, and while visiting their graves discovers Victorian burial bells by their tombstones. Although this isn’t the main thread of the story, it adds an interesting twist.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and the book bogs a bit as each are introduced and their connections to the others become apparent. The story starts with a bang then slows down for quite a while before gaining momentum again, but it’s worth sticking with. While I deduced the identity of the killer around the 60% mark, it was entertaining to see the mystery unravel. The suspenseful ending, along with a nice wrap for the various plot threads made for a satisfying read.
This was a fantastic read! My mother-in-law recommended this book to me, and I’m so glad she did. The mystery plot was very well done. The book starts with Maggie Holloway, the protagonist, buried alive. We’re reading to find out what exactly led to her predicament as well as to discover whether she makes it out alive or not.
That prologue marks the story as suspense. But even without it, this would have been a very enjoyable traditional mystery.
As a writer, it’s illuminating to see how a particular storytelling technique can elevate the suspense and danger level in a story. Speaking as a reader, it’s lovely to see a well-laid out story unfolding to a climax.
Mary Higgins Clark has an especial gift for getting the reader involved in the solution of the mystery. As the story unfolds and we learn more about each character, we realize that almost everyone has an excellent motive for committing murder. The solution is satisfyingly complex.
She never lets you down.
I read Mary Higgins Clark books as soon as they are published. She comes up with new and realistic plots that draw the reader into the book.
As always terrific book. I love this author!!
I liked the way the story slowly unfolded . The writer did a good job making you suspect so many different characters . The end was a surprise!
Mary Higgins Clark’s characters grab you and you don’t want to quit reading ‘til the mystery is solved. Great uses of conversation between characters keeps you guessing until the solution begins to become clear and then you wonder how the situation will be resolved.
Keeps youturning the pzges!
She is one of my favorite writers. I have read all her books and all are page turners. Usually can’t put it down. I would recommend
Mary Higgins Clark is an excellent writer. I have never read a book of hers that I did not enjoy.
I enjoyed this book very much! With normal characters and strong plot of a twisted mystery, this is an exciting read!
My the end of the book I have thought second done it
I did end up liking the story at the end but I felt there was just to many different story lines in one book. Yes they all revolved around one character but for a book it was to much. This is the first of her books that I have read that I just wanted to get to the end because I found it kind of boring.
I have read Mary Higgins Clark for over 20 years and have enjoyed them all
A rather brainless foray into mediocrity and predictability.
Have always loved her books. Have read them for years.
Not as good as some other books by the same author.
Loved it!
Great book, love Mary Higgins Clark!
She is one of my favorite authors.