I recently had the pleasure of reading and ARC of And Then There Was You, a new romance/mystery novel by accomplished writer, Nancy Naigle. It is releases later this month, but is already available for pre-orders.
*Description
During the coziness of sweater weather in the mountains of Virginia two people find love against all odds in USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s And Then There Was You.
Reeling after falling prey to a Romeo con-artist who just waltzed away with the better part of her belongings, Natalie Maynard works closely with the detective assigned to her case, only the few leads have led nowhere.
Detective Randy Fellowes can’t promise Natalie restitution, but he’s determined to find the culprit and serve up justice. Married to his work, he’s caught off guard when Natalie has his thoughts wandering to more than the case.
Natalie soon seeks refuge in the one thing she still owns — an old fishing cabin in the mountains of Chestnut Ridge. She quickly falls in love with the town and the eccentric people who are teaching her so much about the area and its heritage.
Through these people, and the determination of Detective Fellowes, she rediscovers her courage, self, and a reason to risk love again.
In this well-written story, Natalie discovers she has been taken in by a con artist who has absconded with all her savings. She takes refuge in a remote cabin she inherited from her late husband. The neighboring community is full of endearing, warm-hearted folks who remember him well and are eager to help her restart her life. Meanwhile, a dedicated detective is working hard at discovering the whereabouts and true identify of the con man. Not surprisingly, he is attractive and sparks soon start to fly between Randy and Natalie. The story unfolds at an even pace and the combination of romance and mystery elements made for an enjoyable read.
FTC disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This has not affected the content of my review.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began her popular contemporary romance series, Adams Grove while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. Over twenty-five novels later, Nancy is a Romance Writers of America and ACFW Honor Roll author. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and received favorable reviews from major trade journals. Nancy’s latest release, THE SHELL COLLECTOR, is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.
Crown Media has adapted several of Nancy’s novels for Hallmark Channel, and Nancy novelized three Hallmark Original Movies set in the town of Evergreen. Hallmark fans may have recently enjoyed The Secret Ingredient and new in 2021 Sand Dollar Cove in the Summer Nights programming-both inspired by her novels.
Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, this Virginia girl devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and horseback riding with friends.
Download a complete list of Nancy’s books at http://www.NancyNaigle.com, then stay up to date with future releases by joining Nancy’s free newsletter -or-visit her on facebook and twitter (@nancynaigle).
Sometimes I browse the cozy mystery deals with an eye to reading something by an author whose work I have yet to taste. Mostaccioli Murder is the first book in the Jace Sommer Mystery series by Nicolette Pierce.
Description*
Murder with a side of mostaccioli.
Jade returns home to Chicago after being wrongfully fired from her dream job. When she had left a decade ago, she had made two promises to herself. One, never ever work for the family restaurant again. And, two, never ever see Logan, her cheating ex-boyfriend, again.
Unfortunately, when the restaurant delivery driver is found murdered, Jade assumes his position. The detective assigned to the case is none other than Logan.
As Jade comes to term with her new life at the restaurant, clues surrounding the murder develop. Jade receives odd delivery orders and threatening messages. Suspects appear in a thrilling mystery that Jade must solve or find herself as dead as the driver.
To save herself and the family business, she must play nice with the detective. But how can she play nice when she vowed to never speak to the jerk again? To solve the case, the pair must put their past aside.
Will Jade solve the murder before it’s too late? Can she move past her feelings for Logan? Get your copy of Mostaccioli Murder and find out.
Jade returns to her hometown with a secret. Actually more than one. While she tries to figure out her next steps in life, she is working in her family’s Italian restaurant and pretending to still have a fiance and a job back in California. Then she finds a dead body and the mystery takes off. Lots of things going on, suspense, mystery, and family drama, including a strong, well-done element of romantic suspense as she faces a former sweetheart, who happens to be the detective on the case. Both Jada and Logan are likable characters. The mystery side of the plot is well developed, with surprising twists. I found it to be an enjoyable fast-paced read, with a healthy dose of humor woven in. This was my first time reading anything by this author. It most likely won’t be the last.
Today I have very special guest on my blog! Dr. Catherine Powers’ nine-year-old son, Joey, has stopped by to tell us all about life with his mom, the FBI forensic pathologist/special agent and main character in Dying Declaration by Solange Ritchie.
Here’s what Joey wants you to know:
Hi, my name is Joey Powers. My mom is Dr. Catherine Powers, but everyone calls her Cat. She is the best mom in the world. I am nine years old now. My favorite things in the world are swimming in our back yard pool, hanging out with my dog, Max, who is a chocolate Labrador and movies. I love the Avatar movies. I love video games too. They are awesome. I love the game Fortnight. Have you ever played it? If not, that’s your loss. While I like school, I hate math. It gives me a headache.
So, my favorite thing about my mom, you ask? She’s a great cook. Every Tuesday night at our house is Spaghetti night. Mom sometimes mixes it up with her homemade Italian meatballs, which are the best. I also love her blueberry pancakes. She has a secret ingredient for them, but I am not allowed to tell you what it is. You’ll have to guess.
Two years ago, my life changed forever. My dad was shot to death in front of me by The Burning Man. Then he kidnapped me from my driveway and threw me in the back of his SUV. I was so scared and frightened. I thought I would never see my mom or Max again. I prayed my dad was still alive. I prayed a lot those few days and nights. I prayed I would survive. I prayed The Burning Man would not kill my mom. I prayed he would not kill me. Somehow, I survived. It made me stronger. I realized I am a tough kid. What’s the word mom uses? Resilient. Yes, I am resilient.
My mom is my favorite person in the world. She’s pretty amazing. I miss her a lot when she is gone but I know she has to be gone for long periods of time for work. She catches bad guys, criminals. That’s her job. She works for the FBI. Her job takes her all over the United States. I think her job is pretty awesome. I stay with our neighbors when she is gone. They treat me like I am their grandson so I get spoiled a lot. And of course, Max is always by my side. He sleeps on my bed at night and kisses me good morning every day. I don’t even care that he has doggie breath sometimes. He’s my best friend in the world.
At school, I am a little bit of a loner. I guess when my dad died it made me even more of a loner. How can you explain how it feels like to loose your dad? How can you explain what it feels like to loose your hero? How can you explain those memories that stick in your head? The answer is you can’t. So, I stopped trying to explain it to my friends, my teachers, or anyone at school. No one would understand, not even my mom. I still carry those memories with me every day and every night. I talk to Max about them when I am alone – that’s it. No one else needs to know. If I talk about them to anyone else, I appear weak. I don’t want to be weak. I want to be strong. With my dad gone, my mom needs me to be strong. Now, I am the man of the house. That’s what mom always says.
In Dying Declaration, it starts out on vacation with my mom in Belize. We had such an amazing time. The ocean water was so clear and blue. When we went snorkeling, I had never seen so many fish before. So many different colors and sizes. They were all around me. I followed the instructions of the man at the hotel and took a bag of Cheetos into the water. I opened it just a bit so the wet Cheetos could float out, a little bit at a time. The fish went crazy for those things. It was like I was inside my own personal aquarium! I think I might want to become an oceanographer or a marine biologist because the fish were so cool. I loved Belize. I definitely want to go back soon. Mom says maybe next year in the summer we can go back there and see some more fish. Maybe, I can swim with the dolphins too. That would be so awesome. I’ve always wanted to do that.
Well, that’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed talking with me as much as I enjoyed talking with you.
About Dying Declaration
Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers is FBI Forensic pathologist and special agent with an uncanny sixth sense for bringing murders to justice.
During a vacation in Belize with her young son, Joey, Cat gets a phone call from her boss. Young prostitutes are being picked up, murdered and left for dead in the Florida Everglades. The first victim does not fit the killer’s modus operandi. She was a legal secretary working for the Fort Lauderdale based international law firm, Black and Knight.
As Cat investigates this and other deaths, they lead back to the firm’s henchmen and to its partners. With the help of another firm employee, Cat discovers a secret web of murder, illicit drugs, prostitution, sex trafficking, corruption and more. The firm’s partners intend to kill anyone who can lead the law back to them, including Cat.
As the body count grows, powerful people will make decisions that will change lives. Decisions that will destroy families. As Cat uncovers the conspiracy, only one partner, the mastermind, will become Cat’s ally. She will walk away, after seeing that the others are brought to justice.
Enter a raffflecopter for your chance to win one of five print copies of Dying Declaration from the author (US only).
About the Author
Born on the tropica island of Jamaica to a Jamaican father and a French mother, Solange Ritchie (then Solange Levy) immigrated to the United States at age eleven. Since then, she has become a dynamic force for change. Fed up with thrillers that start with a fizzle and longing to see more powerful women as lead characters, Solange decided to create her own characters. Despite the demands of a busy legal career, she accomplished her ambitious goal by rising each morning to write before work, dedicating her weekends to writing, and even spending her vacation time writing. Solange is fortunate to have traveled to over 19 countries in her lifetime.
Words have always been Solange’s passion – now so more than ever.
Solange achieved a successful writing career while doing “last minute trial,” mostly in Southern California. Dubbed “the Case Saver,” Solange handled intense legal motions that either make or break a case, especially in the areas of business, labor, and employment law. In 2014, she received the State Bar of California’s Solo and Small Firm’s Section’s highest award, the Myer J. Sankary Attorney of the Year Award. It is given to only one attorney each year in California.
When Solange was just thirty-seven years old, her first husband, John, died due to gross medical negligence at a leading Southern California hospital. This life-altering experience helped shape her into the person she is today. She began writing creatively to deal with the stress of his hospitalization and his death.
Solange’s first psychological thriller, The Burning Man, featuring FBI forensic pathologist Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers was published in 2015. Her second novel in the series, Firestorm, was released to critical acclaim, on May 15, 2018. Dying Declaration is the third novel in the Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers series. Bomb Blast is Solange’s fourth novel in the series. Solange plans at least two more books in the Dr. Catherine Powers series. A fan of things that go bump in the night, Solange has also penned a Southern Gothic novel called Fiona’s Box, which will be released shortly.
Solange lives in Southern Florida. She enjoys traveling, writing, gardening, time with her family, as well as good food and conversation. Solange is available for speaking engagements. She especially enjoys talking with book clubs. To receive her Sunday blog post, Notes from Solange, just go to her author website, www.solangeritchie.com, and leave your e-mail address. Nothing negative or political is ever posted. Her author website, www.authorsolange.com, includes a blog, reviews, recipes, events, and the latest on Solange’s adventures. Solange welcomes your comments, reviews, and suggestions, and invites you to contact her at:
Last week Sarah E. Burr celebrated the release of #TagMe for Murder: A Trending Topic Murder. It is the second book in a series brings to the fore a very current topic – social media. Sounds like and interesting read.
About the Book
When murder trends too close to home, social media influencer Coco Cline will have to swipe through a sea of trolls to tag a killer.
After cracking her first case, Cordelia “Coco” Cline’s life is finally getting back to normal—or as normal as life can be when you have over three million followers online. With a thriving business, a devoted boyfriend, and her two besties living right up the street, Coco is set to have the most fun summer of her life until Larry and Rosalynn Dunmer move into the condo next door.
Coco and her friends do their best to avoid the confrontational duo, but when a party at a swanky new wine bar brings everyone together, things become less than neighborly faster than a celebrity-themed hashtag goes viral. Larry levels some super shady threats toward Coco and her BFF Jasper, which could have dire consequences for their multimedia empires. Just as Coco begins to wonder if she’ll have to spend the rest of the summer looking over her shoulder, she gets a shocking request from police. As part of her PR gig with the Central Shores PD, they need her to come to the beach and keep the public at bay. A body has washed ashore.
Thinking a poor swimmer drowned just before the Salute to Summer festival kicks off, Coco arrives to find Larry Dunmer, dead with a corkscrew sticking out of his neck. What’s even more unbelievable is that Jasper quickly shoots to the top of Chief McInnis’s suspect list. In full-on panic mode, Coco decides to use her tech-savvy sleuthing skills to clear her best friend’s name before his rep is ruined. She soon discovers that Larry made quite a few enemies during his very short stay in town. But who hated him enough to kill him?
Return to the beaches of Central Shores as Coco Cline and her squad assemble to catch a killer before they get canceled…permanently.
Giveaway
Enter a rafflecopter for your chance to win a $30 TJMaxx gift card from the author (US only).
About the Author
Sarah E. Burr is the award-winning author of the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries, Trending Topic Mysteries, and Court of Mystery series. She currently serves as the social media manager for the New York/Tri-State chapter of Sisters in Crime and is the creative mind behind BookstaBundles, a content creation service for authors. Sarah is the co-host of The Bookish Hour, a live-streamed YouTube series featuring author interviews and book discussions. When she’s not spinning up stories, Sarah is singing show tunes, reading everything from mystery to manga, and enjoying walks with her dog, Eevee.
Released this past fall, Deep Blue Murder (A Fiona Quinn Mystery) by C. S. McDonald is.the 11th book in an entertaining cozy mystery series. I have read and enjoyed a few of the earlier books in this series, so I was happy to volunteer to read an ARC.
About the Book
Fiona is delighted when her new mother-in-law, Rita Landry invites her and Nathan to a private island in the Bahamas owned by a US ambassador. Sun, sandy beaches, and romantic tangerine sunsets await the newlyweds, but for Rita and her executive assistant, Hal Underwood the trip to Deep Blue Isle is a working vacation. Ambassador Taslow has summoned them to the island to discuss a scandal he has fallen victim to. However, when the Landrys and Hal arrive, they find less than welcoming circumstances: no internet or Wi-Fi, mischievous monkeys, a dangerous tenant, and then there’s that pesky dead body.
A storm is brewing on Deep Blue Isle, and it has nothing to do with wind and rain.
Fiona and Nathan are back from their honeymoon and quickly swept up in another adventure, complete with murder, intrigue, and Nathan’s mother – a security specialist and former CIA operative. Their weekend getaway takes them to a private island in the Bahamas where trouble is afoot despite the seemingly peaceful setting. It doesn’t take long for the guests to suspect that something fishy is going on – even before that “pesky dead body” makes an appearance. The plot is multi-faceted, interwoven with suspense and humor. The mystery unfolds at a nice pace as the Landrys uncover the truth. On the lighter side, the young monkey’s antics had me laughing aloud, especially Fiona’s initial reaction to his stealthy behavior and the way she befriends him and gains an important ally. I enjoyed this well-written, entertaining cozy mystery.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. This has not affected the content of my review.
Giveaway
Click here to enter for you chance to win a signed copy of Deep Blue Murder (US only).
About the Author
For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.
Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!
Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.
Today’s post introduces Murder on Oak Street(A South Shore Mystery), a historical mystery set in New York over a hundred years ago. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s going on my TBR list.
About the Book
New York, 1904. After two years as a coroner’s physician for the city of New York, Daniel O’Halleran is more frustrated than ever. What’s the point when the authorities consistently brush aside his findings for the sake of expediency? So when his fiancée leaves him standing at the altar on their wedding day, he takes it as a sign that it’s time to move on and eagerly accepts an offer to assist the local coroner in the small Long Island village of Patchogue.
Though the coroner advises him life on Long Island is far more subdued than that of the city, Daniel hasn’t been there a month when the pretty librarian, Kathleen Brissedon, asks him to look into a two-year-old murder case that took place in the city. Oddly enough, the case she’s referring to was the first one he ever worked on, and the verdict never sat right with him.
Eager for the chance to investigate it anew, Daniel agrees to look into it in his spare time, but when a fresh murder occurs in his own backyard, he can’t shake his gut feeling that the two cases are somehow connected. Can he discover the link before another life is taken, or will murder shake the peaceful South Shore village once again?
Enter a giveaway for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card from the author (U.S. only).
About the Author
I. M. Foster is the pen name author Inez Foster uses to write her South Shore Mystery series, set on Edwardian Long Island. Inez also writes historical romances under the pseudonym Andrea Matthews, and has so far published two series in that genre: the Thunder on the Moor series, a time-travel romance set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Borders, and the Cross of Ciaran series, which follows the adventures of a fifth century Celt who finds himself in love with a twentieth century archaeologist.
Inez is a historian and librarian, who love to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogically speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science and enjoys the research almost as much as she does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. Inez is a member of the Long Island Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society.
I recently had the pleasure of reading an advance review copy of Trish Esden’s latest mystery – A Wealth of Deception, the second book in the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series.
About the Book
Danger, art, and a touch of romance collide in Trish Esden’s second exquisitely crafted Scandal Mountain Antiques mystery, perfect for fans of Jane K. Cleland and Connie Berry.
Some people are willing to die for their art. Others are willing to kill for it.
When Vermont antique and art dealer Edie Brown discovers an unsettlingly dark collage by the famed reclusive “outsider” artist known only as Vespa, she opens a Pandora’s Box of deception and danger.
Edie teams up with Uncle Tuck and Kala to investigate the background of the collage but only uncover secrets that are more disturbing than the artwork itself. As Edie tracks down the validity of the piece, she stumbles into an art underground where some people are willing to kill to keep their schemes a secret.
Esden expertly crafts a complex cast of characters, a breathtakingly gorgeous setting, and a twisty plot that often poses more questions than answers.
My Review
Although Edie’s family operates an antique business, this well-written story highlights her background and connections with the art world as she tries to determine whether she has discovered a true masterpiece or the work of a copycat.
Edie is a great character. She isn’t perfect, a fact made immediately clear from her arrest record and her family’s checkered past. She is smart, and cautious yet bold at the same time. With the help of her Uncle Tuck and Kala’s, who has some specialized computer skills, Edie pieces together the puzzle and brings the truth to light. The book is well paced, with a variety of twists along the way. There were some aspects of the resolution that I saw coming, but not the resolution in total.
Whereas the first book in this series had a more cozy vibe, this one is more intense. The subject matter – both in the collage and throughout the story – leans to the dark side, while drawing attention to the potential for post-traumatic stress for witnesses to violent crime.
FTC Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This has not affected the content of my review.
Giveaway
Enter a rafflecopter for your chance to an amazing prize package including a hardcover copy of The Art of the Decoy, a hand painted Russian Matryoshka doll, and Swag (USA only) from the author.
About the Author
Trish Esden loves museums, gardens, wilderness, dogs and birds, in various orders depending on the day. She lives in northern Vermont where she deals antiques with her husband, a profession she’s been involved with since her teens. Don’t ask what her favorite type of antique is. She loves hunting for old bottles and rusty barn junk as much as she enjoys fine art and furnishings. Trish is the author of the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series which explores the secretive and adrenaline-charged underbelly of the antique and art world.
Today’s post highlights a new release aimed at young adults and the young at heart. And it has such a stunning cover!
About the Book
How far would you be willing to go to get an A on a test?
That question plagues seventeen-year-old Laurel Anderson when she is confronted about the possibility of not graduating from high school towards the end of her senior year.
A plan was made with friends at a sleepover. But everything goes horribly wrong, and they all vow to keep what happened that night a secret.
Then Laurel meets Jace Messina whose hot and cold attraction toward her becomes intriguing when she takes a chance on an offer from him that she can’t refuse.
But as soon as she starts to have a glimmer of hope, everything falls apart. Bad decisions are not forgotten–especially by someone who has their eye on her for vengeance.
Enter a rafflecopter for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift or one of 10 ebook copies of Grudge from the author.
About the Author
Doreen McMillan is a wife, a mom and an educator who likes to spend her spare time writing mysteries for older teens. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and son.
“I hope you’re right,” Laurel said as she got up from the bleachers. She picked up her backpack and hoisted it over her shoulder before she took a step down. “Because if not,” she continued. “I’m going to have a bigger problem than not graduating.”
By the time she left the gymnasium, there were only a few cars in the student parking lot. When she spotted her Buick, she noticed something different right away. It looked as if the back right end of the car was slightly lower. When she approached the driver’s side door she gasped in shock.
“Ugh. You’ve got to be kidding me,” she said out loud, staring at the flattened tire. She stood there for a moment and then threw her hands up in defeat. Laurel was just about to take her cell phone from her back pocket when she heard a voice several feet from behind her say, “Damn. That’s messed up.”
She turned behind her to find Jace Messina leaning against his car with his backpack tossed over one shoulder, smirking at her. She was surprised and put off by the expression on his face. She remembered the glare he’d given her in class earlier that day.
“You seem to be amused by it.” She muttered more to herself as she proceeded to take the cell phone from her pocket and started scrolling on the screen for her contacts.
“You don’t need to do that,” he said, watching her.
Laurel paused, still holding her phone. “Do what?”
“Call someone to fix it.”
“It’s not going to fix itself,” she said, frowning at him.
“Are you always this happy when someone offers to help you?”
She cut her eyes at him and then tapped her screen.
He stood staring at her momentarily before he turned away from her to get into an old model blue Dodge.
Laurel let out a heavy sigh when she got her mother’s voicemail. “Wait,” she said, putting away her phone. “If you can fix it…then…that would be a big help to me.”
He smirked at her and shrugged. “You had your chance. Make the call.”
Laurel stood there gaping at him as he unlocked the door, got behind the wheel of his car, and started the engine. “Asshole,” she yelled after him as he drove out of the school parking lot…
Recently released, Murder in Postscript is the 1st book in the Lady of Letters Mystery series – a new cozy historical mystery series set in Victorian England.
About the Book
When one of her readers asks for advice following a suspected murder, Victorian countess Amelia Amesbury, who secretly pens the popular Lady Agony column, has no choice but to investigate in this first book in a charming new historical mystery series.
Amelia Amesbury—widow, mother, and countess—has a secret. Amelia writes for a London penny paper, doling out advice on fashion, relationships, and manners under the pen name Lady Agony. But when a lady’s maid writes Amelia to ask for advice when she believes her mistress has been murdered—and then ends up a victim herself—Amelia is determined to solve the case.
With the help of her best friend and a handsome marquis, Amelia begins to piece together the puzzle, but as each new thread of inquiry ends with a different suspect, the investigation grows ever more daunting. From London’s docks and ballrooms to grand country houses, Amelia tracks a killer, putting her reputation—and her life—on the line.
Giveaway
Enter a rafflecopter for your chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card from the author.
About the Author
Mary Winters is the author of Murder in Postscript, the debut novel in A Lady of Letters Mystery series. A longtime reader of historical fiction and an author of two other mystery series, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she’s been busily planning her next mystery—and another trip! Find out more about Mary and her writing at marywintersauthor.com.
Over the years I have read many of the mystery/thrillers by Mary Higgins Clark (1927-2020)—and enjoyed each and every one of them. So, naturally, I jumped at the chance to read an advance copy of Where Are the Children Now?. As I understand it, the storyline was developed together with Alafair Burke, who completed the project after Clark’s death. And the result was a well-written, suspense-filled read.
Description
Of the fifty-six bestsellers the “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark published in her lifetime, Where Are the Children? was her biggest, selling millions of copies and forever transforming the genre of suspense fiction. In that story, a young California mother named Nancy Harmon was convicted of murdering her two children. Though released on a technicality, she was abandoned by her husband and became such a pariah in the media that she was forced to move across the country to Cape Cod, change her identity and appearance, and start a new life. Years later her two children from a second marriage, Mike and Melissa, would go missing, and Nancy yet again became the prime suspect—but this time, Nancy was able to confront the secrets buried in her past and rescue her kids from a dangerous predator.
Now, more than four decades since readers first met Nancy and her children, comes the thrilling sequel to the groundbreaking book that set the stage for future generations of psychological suspense novels. A lawyer turned successful podcaster, Melissa has recently married a man whose first wife died tragically, leaving him and their young daughter, Riley, behind. While Melissa and her brother, Mike, help their mom, Nancy, relocate from Cape Cod to the equally idyllic Hamptons, Melissa’s new stepdaughter goes missing. Drawing on the experience of their own abduction, Melissa and Mike race to find Riley to save her from the trauma they still struggle with—or worse.
Just like the original, Where Are the Children Now? keeps readers guessing and holding their breath until the very last page.
Melissa has moved on from her childhood trauma, but she is still struggling with it, at least on a subconscious level. When the police peg her as their primary suspect, she finds herself doubting herself. Could she have done something so terrible and not remember it? With the support of family and good friends, she stumbles along as she tries to understand who would take Riley and why. She soon finds herelf questioning the motives/sincerity of various people in her life. Potential suspects abound, and the “likely culprit” changes and/or flipflops as the tale unfolds.
This was a well-written, suspense-filled read, with an abundance of red herrings, twists and turns to keep you guessing. When I finished reading the book at 4:30 in the morning, all I could think was “Wow” – I really didn’t see that final plot twist coming.
BTW, although this is a sequel of sorts, it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone read.
FTC disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This has not affected the content of my review.
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