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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Mary Jane Clark's DANCING IN THE DARK.
Angela from Greenville, SC
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
I have never read any books by Mary Jane Clark before and after reading this
one, I look forward to reading other books by her.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I usually read books by J.D. Robb, John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, Mary
Higgins Clark and James Patterson.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
This book is so much more than just a "Who Done It" murder mystery. She
creates a wonderful cast of characters ---all with their own personalities
and their own problems --- and brings them all together in a beautiful town
on the Jersey Shore during summer. I love the way she brings attention to a
very serious issue facing many, many young girls today --- and that is
eating disorders and all the heart breaking side affects that accompany it.
I was not aware how deeply this disease runs in some girls, and it's truly
chilling. It's a very good read, and I was guessing "Who Did It" until the
very end.
Ceci from San Diego, CA
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
No, for some reason, I get MJC confused with Mary Higgins Clark.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Some of my favorites: John Sandford, James Patterson, Lisa Scottoline and
Josephine Tey.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
It was the perfect summer read. I liked the shifting point of views and
quick pacing. The details around news reporting felt authentic. I also
enjoyed reading about the tent community at Ocean Grove.
Donna from Orlando, FL
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
No, this is my first.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I read James Patterson, Dan Brown, Mary Higgins Clark and David Baldacci,
etc.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I thought is was very good; kept me guessing and changing my mind all the
time!
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
Yes, most definitely!
Elaine from Palos Heights, IL
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
Yes, I have. I have read all of Clark's books although I have not read them
in order of publication, as I did not "discover" her until her 3rd or 4th
novel.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I like women mystery writers with novels set in the present time. I read the
gamut of Lisa Scottoline, Sara Paretsky, Perri O'Shaughnessy, Margaret
Maron, Nancy Fairbanks, Denise Swanson, J.A. Jance, Patricia Sprinkle and
Sue Grafton.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
DANCING IN THE DARK is the perfect summer beach read. With its setting "on
the beach," one is propelled to recall one's own summer on the beach. It is
a page-turner for working women who have had vacations canceled.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
Definitely. I will read Mary Jane Clark's next book as long as it is a
mystery.
Kathie from Archdale, NC
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
I have not read any of Mary Jane Clark's books before this.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I read J.A. Jance, Patricia Cornwell, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Dan Brown,
Evanovich and many more mystery/suspense writers.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I thought the book was well-written. It kept my attention. As I was reading,
I tried to figure out who could be the culprit... I also enjoyed the fact
that all the chapters were short and jumped from character to character
which always keeps my attention.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
I will definitely read more of Mary Jane Clark's books. In fact, I'm going
on the website to look for some.
Kelly from Salisbury, MD
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
No, I haven't.
What other mystery writers do you read?
A lot: Laura Lippman, Sara Paretsky, Faye Kellerman, Sue Grafton, the
stand-alone books of Harlan Coben, Dennis Lehane and James Patterson.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I enjoyed it. DANCING IN THE DARK was very well-written and, although I'm
generally pretty good at figuring out who the "bad guy" is, I didn't guess
it in this case. I'd recommend it to people, especially anyone who likes
mystery/suspense novels.
Kim from Dayton, OH
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
I have never read a Mary Jane Clark book.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I love mysteries, preferably an easy quick read. My favorites are Janet
Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books, Sarah Strohmeyer's Bubbles books, Robert
Ludlum's Bourne Series and I really enjoy the Mary Kay Andrews books even
though these books are not considered mysteries (I think her books have a
"who done it twist" ). There are many others as well, but these are my
favorites.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I really like DANCING IN THE DARK. It is a fast-paced book that really grabs
you. It is hard to put down. She has a great style of writing.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
I plan to begin reading Mary Jane Clark's other books.
Michael from Falls Church, VA
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
NO.
What other mystery writers do you read?
John Sandford and Michael Connelly.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
A very good, entertaining thriller. I enjoyed the mystery, liked the
characters.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
YES, absolutely.
Michelle from Lebanon, PA
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
Yes. I have read all of her Key News books.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I am an avid reader. I love to read books by Carolyn G. Hart, Earlene
Fowler, Lisa Scottoline, Kay Hooper, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, Stuart
Woods, Sandra Brown, Iris Johansen, Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, Nevada
Barr, J.A. Jance, James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark and Catherine Coulter,
just to name a few of the many authors whose books reside in my home.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I enjoyed reading it. It was not as intense as some of her previous works.
The suspense was there but more low-key. Diane Mayfield represented a single
mom trying to keep everything together while her husband served time in
prison. In an unusual twist, Ms. Clark uses a prison sentence for Philip,
Diane's husband, to create tension within their family and pressure for
Diane at work. She also used the theme of eating disorders within the
Mayfield family as well as a prominent part of the news story Diane was
covering for Key News. The parallels between the two are interesting and
believable.
The description of the town of Ocean Grove, a New Jersey shore resort,
painted a readily identifiable setting. Her characters were real
three-dimensional people. I especially sympathized with Arthur. The book was
a great read. I look forward to more wonderful stories from Mary Jane Clark.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
Absolutely! Her books are terrific reads. I enjoy trying to figure out the
guilty party as the clues are doled out before all is revealed.
Pamela from Menasha, WI
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
No.
What other mystery writers do you read?
J.A. Jance, Kathy Reichs, Laurie R. King, Sue Grafton, Susan Conant, Nevada
Barr, Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, Sue Henry and Dean Koontz.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I found it to be a scary, page-turning suspense thriller. I was pleased that
I couldn't guess the killer in advance (I hate when I have already figured
it out by the first third of the book). I really enjoyed it --- stayed up
all night to finish as I couldn't put it down!
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
Definitely!
Reva from Yuma, AZ
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
Yes: DO YOU PROMISE NOT TO TELL?
What other mystery writers do you read?
Mary Higgins Clark, Patricia Cornwell and Rita Mae Brown, as well as others.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I liked it very much. It had me guessing until the end. I liked the
characters, also. I think I would have liked a little more background on
them, though.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
Yes, I plan on reading them all.
Rosalie from New Boston, TX
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
I have read all but two of Mary Jane Clark's previous books. I especially
enjoyed her first two books.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I enjoy reading Carolyn Haines, James Patterson, Catherine Coulter, Kathy
Reichs, Patricia Cornwell and many more mystery writers.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I was disappointed by DANCING IN THE DARK. I was never able to feel
comfortable with the characters. I felt that this book was just written to
put a book out to the public. I also question meeting that many anorexic
young women in such a short period of time. The book seemed choppy to me and
it took quite a while for me to get a handle on the who's who in the book. I
will say that Leslie was the best character as far as believability. The
sadness of her plight and that of her family came through and touched the
heart. I also enjoyed the setting. What a lovely beach resort. I especially
enjoyed hearing about the tents and picturing them in my mind.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
I probably would read another book by Mary Jane Clark. I have enjoyed her
previous writings.
Gwen from Rockville, MD
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
No, I have not read any of her other books.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Greg Iles, Linda Howard, Iris Johansen, Merline Lovelace, Lisa Jackson and lots more.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
I really enjoyed DANCING IN THE DARK. The suspense was there, with a very good story. I enjoyed the twists and turns and was surprised about who the villain turned out to be.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
I will definitely look for Mary Jane Clark's backlist.
Michele from Mass City, MI
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
I have not read Mary Jane Clark previously.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Mary Higgins Clark, Kate White, Marcia Muller, James Patterson and many others!
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
Good book, easy reading --- not too deep or intense.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
Yes, I would read another title from Mary Jane Clark.
Sandy from Conrad, IA
Have you ever read a previous book by Mary Jane Clark?
I can't believe this is my first read when my library has a whole shelf of her books. What a treat to be introduced!
What other mystery writers do you read?
Nevada Barr, JA Jance, Sue Grafton, Donald Harstad (please write more!) and Marcia Muller.
What did you think of DANCING IN THE DARK?
It made me a nervous wreck. I thought it was interesting how she wove in the eating disorder theme. This was a book to read in a sitting or two --- a real page turner.
Would you ever read a future title by Mary Jane Clark?
YES!! And I'll recommend her books to anyone needing a good mystery or a new author to try.
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