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Mary Higgins Clark

Biography

Mary Higgins Clark

The #1 New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark wrote 38 suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a his­torical novel, a memoir and two children’s books. With bestselling author Alafair Burke, she wrote the Under Suspicion series, which included THE CINDERELLA MURDER, ALL DRESSED IN WHITE, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY KILLER, EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE and YOU DON'T OWN ME. With her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, she coauthored five more suspense novels. More than 100 million copies of her books are in print in the United States alone. Her books are international bestsellers. The "Queen of Suspense" passed away on January 31, 2020 at the age of 92 due to natural causes.

Mary Higgins Clark

Books by Mary Higgins Clark

by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

The two identical brothers seemed perfect in every way --- handsome, intelligent, popular --- until a shocking summer night when one brother killed his parents in cold blood while the other brother had an iron-clad alibi. But which twin was where during the murders? And is it possible the two of them planned the perfect crime together? Years later, the twins are long estranged, each of them claiming to be convinced that the other is responsible for the death of their parents. Married now with children of their own, they may finally be ready to clear one name at the expense of the other and turn to Laurie Moran and her team to reinvestigate their parents’ murder. But as the Under Suspicion crew gets closer to the truth, the danger that was assumed to be left in the past finds its way into the present.

by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke - Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller

WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW? is the thrilling sequel to WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?, Mary Higgins Clark’s 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.

by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Television producer Laurie Moran and her fiancée, Alex Buckley, the former host of her investigative television show, are just days away from their mid-summer wedding when things take a dark turn. Alex’s seven-year-old nephew, Johnny, vanishes from the beach. A search party begins, and witnesses recall Johnny playing in the water and collecting shells behind the beach shack, but no one remembers seeing him after the morning. As the sun sets, Johnny’s skim board washes up to shore, and everyone realizes that he could be anywhere, even under water.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

When investigative journalist Gina Kane receives an email from a “CRyan” describing her “terrible experience” while working at REL, a high-profile television news network, Gina knows she has to pursue the story. But when Ryan goes silent, Gina is shocked to discover the young woman has died tragically in a jet ski accident. Meanwhile, several female employees have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. REL counsel Michael Carter approaches the CEO, offering to persuade the victims to accept settlements in exchange for their silence. Was Ryan’s death truly an accident? And when another accuser turns up dead, Gina realizes someone will go to depraved lengths to keep the story from seeing the light.

written by Mary Higgins Clark, read by January LaVoy - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

When investigative journalist Gina Kane receives an email from a “CRyan” describing her “terrible experience” while working at REL, a high-profile television news network, Gina knows she has to pursue the story. But when Ryan goes silent, Gina is shocked to discover the young woman has died tragically in a jet ski accident. Meanwhile, several female employees have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. REL counsel Michael Carter approaches the CEO, offering to persuade the victims to accept settlements in exchange for their silence. Was Ryan’s death truly an accident? And when another accuser turns up dead, Gina realizes someone will go to depraved lengths to keep the story from seeing the light.

by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Television producer Laurie Moran is approached by Robert and Cynthia Bell, the parents of Dr. Martin Bell, who was shot dead five years ago. The Bells are sure that Martin’s disgraced and erratic wife, Kendra, carried out the murder. Determined to prove Kendra’s guilt and win custody over their grandchildren, they plead with Laurie to feature their son’s case on “Under Suspicion.” Kendra has lived under a blanket of suspicion since Martin’s death, with the tabloid media depicting her as a secretive, mentally unstable gold-digger. But once Laurie dives into the case, she learns that Martin wasn’t the picture-perfect husband, father and doctor he appeared to be and was carrying secrets of his own.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

After a party when her parents are away, 18-year-old Kerry Dowling is found fully dressed at the bottom of the family pool. The immediate suspect is her boyfriend, who had a bitter argument with her at the party. Then there is a 20-year-old neighbor who was angry because she didn’t invite him to the party. Or is there someone else who has not yet been seen on the radar? Kerry’s older sister Aline, a 28-year-old guidance counselor, is determined to assist the Prosecutor's Office in learning the truth. She does not realize that now she is putting her own life in danger.

by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Laurie Moran’s television show “Under Suspicion” is a hit, both in the ratings and its record of solving cold cases. But her romantic break from former host Alex Buckley has left her with on-air talent she can’t stand --- Ryan Nichols --- and a sense of loneliness. Now Ryan has suggested a new case. Three years ago, Virginia Wakeling, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and one of the museum’s most generous donors, was found dead in the snow. The leading suspect then and now is her much younger boyfriend and personal trainer, Ivan Gray. Laurie’s skepticism about the case is upended by a tip from her father’s NYPD connection, and soon Laurie realizes there are a bevy of suspects --- including Virginia’s trusted inner circle.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Fleeing the disastrous and humiliating last-minute arrest of her fiancé on the eve of their wedding, Celia, an expert on gems and jewelry, is hoping to escape from reality on a glamorous cruise ship. But it is not to be. On board in the most luxurious suite is the elderly and world-famous Lady Emily Harworth. Immensely wealthy, Lady Em is the owner of a priceless emerald necklace that she intends to leave to the Smithsonian on her death. Three days later, Lady Em is found dead --- and the necklace is missing. Is it the work of her apparently devoted secretary, or her lawyer-executor, both of whom she had invited on board for the cruise?

written by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke, read by Heather Lind - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Laurie Moran’s television show “Under Suspicion” is a hit, both in the ratings and its record of solving cold cases. But her romantic break from former host Alex Buckley has left her with on-air talent she can’t stand --- Ryan Nichols --- and a sense of loneliness. Now Ryan has suggested a new case. Three years ago, Virginia Wakeling, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and one of the museum’s most generous donors, was found dead in the snow. The leading suspect then and now is her much younger boyfriend and personal trainer, Ivan Gray. Laurie’s skepticism about the case is upended by a tip from her father’s NYPD connection, and soon Laurie realizes there are a bevy of suspects --- including Virginia’s trusted inner circle.

by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Casey Carter was convicted of murdering her fiancé, famed philanthropist Hunter Raleigh III, 15 years ago. And Casey claims she’s innocent. Although she was charged and served out her sentence in prison, she is still living “under suspicion.” Her story attracts the attention of Laurie Moran and the “Under Suspicion” news team. It’s Casey’s last chance to finally clear her name, and Laurie pledges to exonerate her. With Alex Buckley taking a break from the show, “Under Suspicion” introduces a new on-air host named Ryan Nichols, who has no problems with steering --- and stealing --- the show, and even tries to stop Laurie from taking on Casey’s case because he’s so certain she’s guilty.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

Television journalist Delaney Wright is on the brink of stardom after she begins covering a sensational murder trial. She should be thrilled, yet her growing desire to locate her birth mother consumes her thoughts. When Delaney’s friends, Alvirah Meehan and her husband, Willy, offer to look into the mystery surrounding her birth, they uncover a shocking secret they do not want to reveal. On trial for murder is Betsy Grant, widow of a wealthy doctor who has been an Alzheimer’s victim for eight years. As the trial unfolds, and the damning evidence against Betsy piles up, Delaney is convinced that Betsy is not guilty and frantically tries to prove her innocence.

written by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke, read by Jan Maxwell - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Casey Carter was convicted of murdering her fiancé, famed philanthropist Hunter Raleigh III, 15 years ago. And Casey claims she’s innocent. Although she was charged and served out her sentence in prison, she is still living “under suspicion.” Her story attracts the attention of Laurie Moran and the “Under Suspicion” news team. It’s Casey’s last chance to finally clear her name, and Laurie pledges to exonerate her. With Alex Buckley taking a break from the show, “Under Suspicion” introduces a new on-air host named Ryan Nichols, who has no problems with steering --- and stealing --- the show, and even tries to stop Laurie from taking on Casey’s case because he’s so certain she’s guilty.

by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Five years ago, Amanda Pierce was excitedly preparing to marry her college sweetheart. Then, with their guests and families all gathered together, she disappeared. In present-day New York City, Laurie Moran realizes a missing bride is the perfect cold case for her investigative television series, “Under Suspicion.” She and her team set out to recreate the night of the disappearance at the Florida resort with Amanda’s friends and family in attendance. Laurie and “Under Suspicion” host Alex Buckley quickly realize everyone has a theory about why Amanda vanished into thin air.

edited by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Mystery, Short Stories

Mary Higgins Clark invites you on a tour of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods in this anthology of all-new stories from the Mystery Writers of America. From the Flatiron District (Lee Child) and Greenwich Village (Jeffery Deaver) to Little Italy (T. Jefferson Parker) and Chinatown (S.J. Rozan), you’ll encounter crimes, mysteries, and riddles large and small. Illustrated with iconic photography of New York City, MANHATTAN MAYHEM is a delightful read for armchair detectives and armchair travelers alike.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

As the sole assistant to a famous upscale interior designer, Lane Harmon is accustomed to visiting opulent homes. When called upon to assist in redecorating a modest townhouse in Bergen County, she learns the home belongs to the wife of notorious and disgraced financier Parker Bennett, who has been missing for two years. Gradually, Lane finds herself drawn to Eric, the Bennetts’ son, who is determined to prove that his father is not guilty. Lane doesn’t know that the closer she gets to the Bennetts, the more she puts her life --- and her daughter's life --- in jeopardy.

written by Mary Higgins Clark, read by Jan Maxwell - Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

Television journalist Delaney Wright is on the brink of stardom after she begins covering a sensational murder trial. She should be thrilled, yet her growing desire to locate her birth mother consumes her thoughts. When Delaney’s friends, Alvirah Meehan and her husband, Willy, offer to look into the mystery surrounding her birth, they uncover a shocking secret they do not want to reveal. On trial for murder is Betsy Grant, widow of a wealthy doctor who has been an Alzheimer’s victim for eight years. As the trial unfolds, and the damning evidence against Betsy piles up, Delaney is convinced that Betsy is not guilty and frantically tries to prove her innocence.

by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Television producer Laurie Moran believes she has the ideal case to feature on an episode of her reality drama, “Under Suspicion”: the Cinderella Murder. When Susan Dempsey, a beautiful and multi-talented UCLA student, was found dead, her murder raised numerous questions. With the help of lawyer and host Alex Buckley, Laurie knows the case will attract great ratings. The suspense and drama are perfect for the silver screen. But is Cinderella’s murderer ready for a close-up?

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Short Stories, Suspense, Thriller

From Mary Higgins Clark’s first-ever published story, to classic tales featuring Alvirah and Willy, My Gal Sunday and many more, DEATH WEARS A BEAUTY MASK AND OTHER STORIES gives readers the chance to revisit the short story highlights from the “Queen of Suspense.” The jewel of this collection is the title novella showcasing the dazzling and dangerous world of high fashion in 1970s New York City. Mary began the story in 1974 but put it aside to write WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?, the book that launched her career. Fortunately, she returned to it nearly 40 years later.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

Producer Laurie Moran’s true crime television show will launch with the unsolved murder of Betsy Powell. Betsy, a socialite, was found suffocated in her bed after a gala celebrating the graduation of her daughter and three friends. Reopening the case with the cooperation of the surviving guests that night, Laurie is sure to have a hit on her hands. But when the estranged friends begin filming, it becomes clear each is hiding secrets.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Mystery

Kate and Hannah Connelly are sisters whose family-owned furniture firm, founded by their grandfather and famous for its fine reproductions of antiques, explodes into flames in the middle of the night. All the buildings are leveled to the ground, including the museum where priceless antiques have been on permanent display for years. The ashes reveal a startling and grisly discovery, and provoke a host of suspicions and questions.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Weddings

Biblical scholar Jonathan Lyons believes he has a letter that may have been written by Jesus Christ. Stolen from the Vatican library in the 15th century, it was assumed to be lost forever. But on the eve before his own murder, he confides to Father Aiden O’Brien, a family friend, that one of those whom he trusted most is determined to keep it from being returned to the Vatican.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Fiction, Mystery

Ashley Davison, a graduate student in California, desperately wants to spend the holidays with her family in Seattle. Dashiell Sutherland, a former army intelligence officer, has a job interview in Seattle and must arrive by December 23. Ashley and Dash reluctantly decide to share the car, but neither anticipates the wild ride ahead. Though Ashley and Dash may never reach Seattle in time for Christmas, the season is still full of surprises --- and their greatest wishes may yet come true.

by Mary Higgins Clark - Mystery

New York's trendy magazines are a source of peril when a killer enacts a bizarre dance of death, using the personal ads to lure his victims...