5 comments about Twanged (Regan Reilly Mysteries, No. 4).

1. This was a mediocre book. It is not one that screams for a second reading.



2. Carol Higgins Clark writes like a child who hates writing, but loves the applause at the end. I imagine her writing for indulgent parents who have low expectations of her but who cheer after reading the book. The writing is shallow, the characters are cliche and the mystery is pretty much non existent. Don't bother with these books.



3. This book made me put off reading for awhile...until I could come back to it and try and finish it later. The book was so horrible I had to skim through the remaining chapters to try and figure out what happened in the end. After reading this novel I am hesitate on trusting the author with any of her newer books. This book is nothing like Carol's mother's books. Yesterday I read "I Heard That Song Before" in one day, and not once did I get tired of reading. I am going to check the reviews of Carol's books before I read another one of them. All book stores should pull this one off the shelf.



4. Extremely light reading. Unreal, barely humorous characters. Other mystery writers have nothing to fear except loss of display area on bookstore shelves due mostly to the name in my opinion.



5. I'm on my second attempt to read this book and I'm still struggling with it. Carol Higgins Clark (CHC) tends to introduce too many characters in order to confuse the reader and attempt to make the mystery more mysterious. Instead, it's a turn off and results in a sloppy attempt to resolve the mystery. I've read the other books in her series leading up to this one, particularly because the Regan Reilly character appears in the Christmas books that CHC writes with her mother. I find those books quite interesting and will continue to read them. However, I've had difficulty getting through CHC's other books, but this one might be the first one that I refuse to finish.

5 comments about He Sees You While You're Sleeping.

1. If you bought this book believing it will have the excitement and mystery of a Mary Higgins Clark novel than you will be greatly disappointed. It was a fast read and a cute story. Sterling wants to earn his wings to get into heaven so he is sent down to help a little girl. A short but sweet story.



2. After reading a number of books written by Mary Higgins Clark, I came across this book. Due to the title and by the contents of her other books, I expected this to be a creepy and frightening story. Surprisingly, this is a sweet story about looking after each other. (I won't go into the details of the plot because that has been done in other posts.) I really enjoyed it and encouraged my daughter to read it. She really liked it too, and has recommended it to others.
   
   If you are looking for a book with a sweet story and is an easy read, then look no further. We do highly recommend this book.



3. I love reading Christmas stories during the Christmas season., this was a very sweet Christmas story, very enjoyable, a nice light read, I recommend it., pick it up during the holidays!



4. This crime/ fantasy Christmas novel is easy to read, entertaining, and has a funny ending. It's not A Hallmark Christmas story. Hurray! No fabulously decorationed houses or glorious parties. The story is touching. It reminded me a little of It's A Wonderful Life( movie). Sterling, who has been in the waiting room in heaven for over 40 years gets a chance to prove himself. He helps unite a little girl with her father and grandmother. He ends up tricking two Albanian gangster brothers. I'll say no more. This novel is a fun read for Christmas.



5. Want an easy read Christmas fantasy? This is it. I always appreciate the co-writing of mom and daughter Higgins Clark and this is another winner. Their writings seem to complement each other and keep your attention. In this novel the hero (?) is being kept waiting by the powers-that-be in a pre-heaven waiting room. He is not wisked right in because of his poor and selfish treatment of others during his life on earth. But now, he is being given a chance to redeem himself by helping someone back on earth. He is not told "who" or "what", and is then dropped off at a Times Square ice rink to do a "good deed." You may be reminded of "It's a Wonderful Life", but the Clark's filled the story out with suspense and danger. It a great read.

5 comments about Popped (Regan Reilly Mysteries, No. 7).

1. Every once in awhile Carol writes a great tongue in cheek mystery long the lines of Damon Runyon. Keep up the great fun, Carol!



2. This is my first experience with the Regan Reilly series & I don't intend to read any more. I found it in an airport & have decided it was actually someone's cruel joke. Stick with her mother's books!



3. I've read books Carol Higgins Clark co-authored with her mother, but this was the first of her own I tried to read. I strugged thru page 65 & decided it wasn't worth the effort. The story, plot & characters were so rediculous I'm wondering how she could even dream up such a tale. I'm anxiously waiting for a good price on her mother, Mary Higgins Clark's, newest "Where Are You Now?" as I know it will be a good read but I don't think I'll ever try another of Carol Higgins Clark's book.



4. A mystery based on a cable network dedicated to Hot Air Ballooning? Is CHC serious?
   
   I couldn't even believe this dreck was published. All of the characters are totally unbelievable and impossibly named. Even in my worst, food-induced haze would I EVER come up with Aunt Agony and Uncle Heartburn.
   
   CHC must be on drugs. This was worse that Robin Cook's "Shock". At least I finished that book.
   
   I'll stick to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. While I have issues with that series as well, at least it's entertaining.



5. Wow. This is one of the all time worst books I have read in the 24 years since I learned to read. I couldn't figure out how to give this book no stars at all, but I would have. The plot is bad. The characters are bad. The book is in third person from Regan's point of view, but you hear from her so rarely, and she is so unimportant to the plot, that she might as well not be there at all. I didn't care about any of the characters, and never believed that these were actual people, since they never acted like any real person would ever act. Character development and plot were so bad that every mention of a new character or "clue" was painfully obvious and seemed forced. The whole balloon thing was one of the lamest bases for a novel ever. Even the names of the characters seemed ridiculous and obviously made up. Aunt Agony and Uncle Heartburn? Alice Mars Jupiter? Seriously? The "resolution" at the end was a total farce. I didn't find anything about this book to be funny, let alone "light and quirky" as indicated on the jacket. Well, not ha-ha funny, anyway. Was this book published solely on the basis of her mother's success? My only theory to explain Carol's success is that people pick up a book seeing "Higgins Clark" and think they are getting one of her mother's mysteries, because that's what happened to me.

5 comments about Hitched (Regan Reilly Mysteries, No. 9).

1. This book was bad from start to finish. Having read one of the author's mother's books and not been impressed, I should have known that this one would not be to my taste either. Although Ms. Clark did a good job of keeping someone who had not read the previous Regan Reilly mysteries up to date, her characters were shallow, there was no suspense, and there were too many subplots. Who cares who is robbing the banks, who cares what happened to this secondary character who disappeared? Ms. Clark did not need these filler subplots to bring this book together, and yet that is what she used them for. All I know is that I have been cured from wanting to read any of Carol Higgins Clark's other Regan Reilly "mysteries".



2. This story of a top designer's April brides losing their wedding dresses to an inept pair of thieves was an interesting read to me. The Bridezilla theme was overplayed a bit, but one hussy does redeem herself helping to rescue one casualty of a dangling subplot. The bank robbery second mystery didn't quite jell. However, the flashes of humor win out, such as the pet parrot Romeo whose favorite expression is "lazy bums," referring to the main culprits.



3. A ridiculous plot, but somewhat fun to read. Ms. Clark needs to know more about gambling, since she has the bad guys shooting craps in Atlantic City, then the Rileys interview the dealer-uh?! I pictured a guy throwing handfuls of dice around.Also at craps, you win or lose-no other player wins money from you. And I suspect going thru Nebraska isn't the shortest way from NYC to Vegas.Now I will be wading thru "Laced" Hope it is better.



4. Finally Regan is married! I love Carol Higgins Clark's writing. And I especially love Regan Reilly Reilly. (No I didn't stutter). I have followed Regan's romance with Jack Reilly since her father was kidnapped and Jack helped rescue him. I have looked forward to their marriage and now it has happened. Carol makes her characters interesting, believable, and fun. This book was no exception. It was well thought out and well written. I add it to my collection with pride.



5. Of course the wedding of the two Reilly's could not go off without a hitch. Easy read and enjoyable if you are following the series.

4 comments about The Night Collection.

1. After Catherine Dornan's husband is diagnosed with leukimia, Cathering and their 2 sons go to New York so Mr.Dornan can a a life-saving operation. To get her son's minds off their father for a while they go to view Christmas decorations in the streets of New york. Catherine drops her wallet and a stranger, Cally Hunter, sister of escaped convict, Jimmy Siddons picks it up. The wallet holds a precious memento their grandmother just gave them, a St. Christopher medal. 7-year-old Brian sees Cally and is unable to get his mother's attention so he follows Cally to get back the medal. Brian follows Cally all the way to her apartment where Jimmy Siddons gets a hold of hime and kidnaps Brian as he runs away from the cops. This book is written with warmth for the holiday seasons. It is very intriguing and puts you in suspense as you wonder what will happen next.



2. SILENT NIGHT - Catherine Dornan always had the picture-perfect life. Two healthy, happy sons - Brian and Michael - and a loving husband, Tom, who still had the power to make her feel like a teenager. Even with the long hours he must keep, making his rounds at the hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, where they make their home, their marriage and family life have never suffered. Until he's struck down with Leukemia, and must be rushed to New York City for emergency surgery - right before Christmas.
   
   Cally Siddons has always struggled to provide a happy home life for her young daughter, Gigi. Doing so, however, has not been easy, what with her troublesome younger brother, Jimmy, constantly appearing and disappearing, leaving their lives in shambles with each new arrival and departure. Cally already spent over a year in prison for helping her ex-con brother, and doesn't plan on being separated from Gigi again. Especially not around the holidays. But when Jimmy escapes from prison, she just knows that he'll somehow find her again, and that's one thing she can't face.
   
   The paths cross between these two individuals when, attempting to take Michael and Brian's minds off of the fact that their father is sick, Catherine takes her two sons out for a night on the town in Manhattan to view the holiday festivities. After a few hours spent singing carols, visiting Rockefeller Center, and viewing the Christmas displays at the upscale department stores, they plan on visiting Tom in the hospital and giving him a St. Christopher's medal. The family has faith that St. Christopher will help him through this difficult time in his life, and prompt him to get better. But when Cally Siddons steals Catherine's wallet - the very same wallet that contains the St. Christopher's medal - Catherine's youngest son, Brian, vows to get it back, and ends up in the midst of a deadly tango between a homicidal ex-con, and his naive, well-meaning younger sister. One that could mean a very silent night. 5 stars.
   
   ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT - Seven years ago, when Sondra was just eighteen-years-old, the promising violinist trekked to New York City, in the dead of winter, to give birth to her baby, and leave the small child on the steps of St. Clement's Church in Manhattan. Knowing that she was unable to care for her child, what with taking care of her grandfather, and attending classes to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional violinist, the young mother believed that the child would fare better if brought up by the kindly Monsignor, or at least be placed in a proper home.
   
   On that same night, when Sondra abandoned her tiny baby girl, Lenny, a petty thief, was casing St. Clement's. At the time, he was searching for money, and eager to steal a silver chalice, harboring a star-shaped diamond, which once belonged to Bishop Joseph Santori. At the time, Lenny knew that the star-shaped diamond would bring him a pretty penny. But as he's escaping St. Clement's after the successful heist, he stumbles upon a weatherworn stroller, and walks off with it. It is only when he arrives at his Aunt's apartment that he finds the tiny baby girl bundled up inside. In an attempt to ward off questions from his Aunt, he claim's the baby as his own, aptly naming her Star - Stellina, in Italian - and vows to raise her as his own.
   
   Seven years later, Sondra is now 25-years-old, and back in Manhattan to play a violin concert at Carnegie Hall, her debut to the world. Unfortunately, the fate of her child is the only thing on her mind, making it difficult for her to concentrate on her coming performance. When she meets Alvirah Meehan, a lottery winner and amateur sleuth, she begins to think that all of her Christmas dreams have come true. Alvirah agrees to help Sondra find her little girl. Now, Alvirah has taken on two cases for the holidays. She can only hope that each will have a happy ending; otherwise, she may not sleep all through the night. 5 stars.
   
   Over the years, I have read many of the Christmas novels that Mary Higgins Clark releases with her daughter, Carol; however, I have never delved into one of Mary Higgins Clark's own novels. SILENT NIGHT and ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT were wonderful stepping stones for me. While SILENT NIGHT is mystery-light, and centers more around a slightly suspenseful story, laced with thoughts of spending the holidays with the ones you love, I still found it extremely entertaining, and, oddly enough, heartwarming. Out of the two featured in this collection, however, I have to admit that ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT was my favorite. The characters, and the magic of the holiday truly came to life within this mystery, and display the true meaning of Christmas marvelously. Clark has woven two delightful holiday stories that will warm you from head to toe.
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Freelance Reviewer



3. I really love M H Clark, and was very disappointed that these disks would not play in my car. They skipped and would not play for very long stretches of time.



4. Mary's stories are always interesting, life like, and easy to follow. Silent Night is another one that is like a story a friend or relative would tell but so much more exciting. The suspense is classic and rewarding.
   All Through the Night is a great story using Alvirahs and Willy characters and we have always enjoyed their processes and sometimes luck.

5 comments about Cursed (Reagan Reilly Mysteries, No. 12).

1. I liked Cursed. It did have some cheesy, strange parts, but as much as I love Carol Higgins Clark, all of her books have those moments. I would recommend it!



2. I'm sure this is a great story. All of Carol Higgins Clarks stories are wonderful about the Reilly family. But the past couple AUDIO books have been awful to listen. Instead of using a "professional" reader, Carol has chosen to do the reading herself. I am so sorry to say that her voice is grating and there is no emotion in it. You can tell she is not trained. It's like watching no-name actors try to perform in a movie you paid to see. You feel ripped off. For me, it was just too much... I couldn't do it. After a few chapters, I put the whole thing down and gave the audio-book away. If I decide to read it, I'll have to buy the hardback or paperback.
   
   Now I am listening to an audio book with a professional reader and it is such a pleasure... my ears are so happy! I don't know why wonderful authors insist on reading their own books..... some just don't have the voice for it. I wish someone would have told her..... I'm sure she's a very nice lady and I'm sorry to be so harsh.... but please, just write and leave the reading to the professionals!
   JMHO
   //(*_*)\\



3. If you're in the mood for something light and short, this novel will fill the bill. It brings Regan Reilly back to Los Angeles from New York where she moved when she wed Jack "No relation" Reilly. What prompts her return is a phone call from her former LA neighbor, Abigail Feeney, requesting Regan's help in locating a former boyfriend to whom she loaned $100,000.
   
   Regan leaves for the West Coast within hours (the whole novel takes place in just about a day). Abigail's grandmother also is due to arrive on the next day, Abigail's birthday. It seems the money originally came from the grandmother, meant to be the down payment on an apartment or home for Abigail, and as a birthday present she intends to pay for a friend's apartment with the $100,000 contributing to the purchase price. Unfortunately the former boyfriend spent the money and disappeared.
   
   The side stories include the machinations of the boyfriend and his partner to finance a film they are attempting to make, and various calamities befalling Abigail who believes she is cursed (her birthday is Friday the 13th, there are 13 letters in her name, etc.) as well as an earthquake and other roadblocks to solving the mystery.
   
   For some light reading or to while away some time at the beach, the novel will suit the purpose well.



4. I purchased this book as a gift for my sister-in-law. She loves the Reagan Reilly Mystery series. I am glad I found a hard cover in Excellent condition, that was very inexspensive.



5. As usual, Carol Higgins Clark adds humor to this mystery. It is a book that you just have to keep going till the end.

5 comments about Zapped (Regan Reilly Mysteries, No. 11).

1. The book was received in a timely manner and brand new. All of this author's books are excellent.



2. This book was loads of fun to read. A zany, madcap series of misadventures set in New York during the almost 24-hour blackout of a few years ago. I couldn't wait to see how she tied up all the subplots. If you're willing to go along for the ride you won't be disappointed.



3. Zapped is a huge let down. I was looking forward to this latest installment. It is a very quick read, but there are very few suprises here. One of the story lines revolves around getting very personal letters back that haven't been mailed yet. The person is afraid someone would open them. That is completely illegal and most people know this. To base a major part of the story on this premise is hardly believable. What a total disappointment!



4. Why do so many authors insist on doing their own audiobooks? After 20 minutes of trying to listen to the first CD I had to give up. While Ms. Higgins-Clark has a lovely voice, she doesn't have the talent necessary to infuse life into her characters. Instead, I felt like I was back in 4th grade being read to by some overly-cheery new teacher who's more concerned with her eloquotion than with imparting any kind of depth or character to the words. What was worse, listening to this poor delivery only emphasized the Polly-Annaish prose.



5. I have listened to many hundreds of audio books. The only thing worse than worse than the writing in this book, is the reading by the author. She sounds like she's reading to a kindergarten class. Absolutely awful!

5 comments about Laced (Regan Reilly Mysteries, No. 10).

1. This is the first book of the Regan Reilly series that I have read, and I will probably be enjoying more of these stories in the future. I was looking for something light and humorous with a bit of danger and mystery, and this book was it. The mystery wasn't so much a mystery as it was a chase really, but it was still a good story. I really like Jack and Regan's relationship; they solve crimes together and still manage to have a good time as well. I might start back at the beginning of this series when they were just dating to see how their relationship progressed over the years.
   
   The story was good, like I said, but I would have enjoyed maybe a murder or two instead of just a few things being stolen...the ghost kind of made up for that part in a way, but there's nothing like a good old-fashioned murder mystery. Anyway, pick this up if you are looking for the same easy reading you get from Carol's mother, but expect a little more humor and adventure.



2. I was a little confused in the first couple of chapters until I realizied that there were 2 sets of "bad guys" and both were staying at the castle. But once I got straight on that I was facinated by the interplay between the 2 sets and how the case was finally solved.



3. Wondering through the store, thinking about maybe getting a book to read, one that wasn't a heavy, intense, dark story, I stumbled upon this one. I was intrigued by the cover which shows an Irish castle, I read the back cover and it sounded like it might fit what I was looking for so decided to give it a try. I was not familiar with Carol Higgins Clark but at least the story was set in Ireland, in a haunted castle, so how bad could it be?
   
   Once I started I couldn't put it down! I loved it! Laced was a good story, with twists, turns, a bit of humor and interesting characters, told in a light-hearted manner that makes for a delightful, easy read.
   
   After completing this book I immediately searched for the others in this series and have since read them all. Now I anxiously await the release of her next in the series, I just wish she could write them as fast as I can read them. Laced, as well as all of her stories are very enjoyable, not too dark or heavy, and perfect for devouring on a cruise or while relaxing with your feet up.
   
   I give it 5 stars and 2 thumbs up!



4. I would love to tell you this book was so horribly written, that I couldn't even get through it, but that would be a lie. The story is incredibly boring, but not to be outdone by the writing. It was so uninspired I speed-read the last fifty pages, and didn't miss a thing. The plot is so full of coincidences and ridiculous connections that I could hardly wait for it to end. Even if you get this book for penny, it isn't worth the shipping. Do yourself a favor, and keep looking. There are so many entertaining and well-written books out there this one isn't worth even the time it takes to read a review.



5. Typical Regan Reily series book. The detail did give a good visual of Ireland.

5 comments about Dashing Through the Snow.

1. this book was also mint condition and again will use only this site to order my future product.



2. I love Christmas themed books and Mary Higgins Clark can be quite good so I decided to give this one a try. There is not much redeemable about this book. The characters are weak especially the reoccurring ones from Mary and Carols other books. I did not find anything here to make me care enough about them to seek out any of the other books they appear in. The setting is weak and the Christmas theme very thin as is the plot. It is a quick and easy read but even for a must read situation like a plane trip it may be too boring to hold anyone's attention.



3. Mary Higgins Clark is not bad. Her daughter has ridden to publishing success on her mother's coat tails. Shame on her and shame on those who publish her incredibly sloppily written work. This particular novel was clearly written in bulk by the daughter. It has all the earmarks of her slap dash dialogue, improbable plot lines and boring predictability. I have read just a few of Carol's novels in the hopes that experience might improve her product. I give up. And I wish her mother wouldn't put her name on the same book as her daughter's. Mary's books, while not destined for a spot on the 'classics' shelf, at least read well, are suspenseful and are not cringe-worthy.
   Unless you are truly a fan of Carol Higgins Clark (I can't imagine such a creature.)don't waste your money.
   
   And to the publishers of these woefully bad bits of dreck - what are you thinking? I guess it really is all about the money, isn't it? And that's a shame because there are a lot of excellent novelist out there whose work should be published. They just don't happen to have a famous author mom on whose success they can trade.



4. This is a good story & a quick read. The characters are believable & so is the plot.



5. Very disappointed in this book. Mary Higgins Clark usually has such a higher quality of writing. Felt as though I was reading a book written by a newcomer with not much skill.
   Valerie

No comments about Wrecked (Regan Reilly Mysteries).