5 comments about Moonlight Becomes You.

1. After the terrible, terrible experience I had with Eleventh Hour (Random House Large Print) (overall assessment: don't read that book even if you are forced to), I had to come back with a decent mystery. I had read Where Are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark a while back and greatly enjoyed it so figured this one would redeem the genre.
   
   Plot:
   Maggie Holloway is a successful photographer in New York. She reunites with her beloved step-mother, Nuala Moore, at a family reunion and is invited to spend two weeks with her step-mom in Newport, Rhode Island. However, just as Maggie comes, Nuala is murdered. As Maggie settles into Nuala's home, she begins to realize that maybe the murder wasn't random and that maybe it was connected to the death of Greta Shipley, one of Nuala's friends living at a retirement center, Latham Manor.
   
   Good:
   Mary Higgins Clark writes and writes well. In Eleventh Hour, there were so many writing issues--missing transitions, juvenile writing--that are pleasantly absent in Mary Higgins Clark's writing. Her characters are real and not cardboard cutouts. The dialogue they speak makes sense given their personality, education, background, etc. She describes the surroundings well and knowledgeably (particularly when relating to the eccentric professor, Earl Bateman, and his monologues about death and its rituals).
   Further, Moonlight Becomes You begins with an absolutely heart-stopping foreshadowing. I cannot see how anyone could read that beginning and not want to continue reading. I was a little hesitant about a mystery, but after that beginning, I was hooked. The middle was kinda slow (see below), but took off after the 250 page point and didn't stop until the very end. And the end--wow! I had predicted who one of the perpetrators was but the other was a complete surprise.
   My favorite character is a tie between Neil and Earl. It was sweet to see how Neil liked Maggie and tried hard to find where she went on vacation. Then, to see Neil and his father hunt for Maggie--it was great and completely genuine. Also, I loved the relationship he had with his parents. And Earl Bateman was so different from the average man. His obsession--death--may seem odd (as every character mentions in the book), but is it that much different from people who are obsessed with video games? Comic books? Trading cards? Food? Cars? (You get the point.)
   
   Bad:
   Overall, a good book, but I still have a few complaints:
   1. Slow plot. After the heart-racing beginning, it takes almost 2/3 of the book before the mystery really advances (of course, when it does, it is *awesome*!). In the meantime, we have two people get murdered and a woman who continually is too tired to investigate the things she comes across until the very end. I mean, if I heard something fall on the floor, I would hunt around until I find it not go "Oh, well, I'll get that later". Or when I find dirt in a pocket, not say, "Hmmm, better leave it there". Had Maggie been half as curious as she becomes in the end at this time, the book would have lost about 100 senseless pages that don't really go anywhere other than elaborate what the reader already knows (that someone is scamming people out of money, Latham Manor is creepy, the enormous cast, etc.).
   2. Maggie Holloway. Our heroine is great, but not that awesome. She is rather stoic (somewhat understandable to others as she lost a spouse, but to the reader?) and icy. I don't see why she gets so chummy so quickly to Greta Shipley or to Laura Bainbrigde. I have no clue why Greta takes such a shine to an aloof, somewhat pleasant (when in social situations) woman. I mean, Greta meets Maggie twice and says, "I can see why Nuala was so excited to see you again". I just wished Clark would have told the audience how Greta knew this after two meetings. I see nothing particularly out of the ordinary about this woman. She got better at the end, but I really didn't care much about her at all.
   3. Too many characters. While it is kinda neat to do the whole Murder on the Orient Express thing, I think that the number of viewpoints should have been halved. It is too hard to balance all that is going on and to bebop from Maggie to Greta, to Douglas to Janice to Dr. Lane to Neil to Neil's dad to Malcolm... I liked thinking, as I read the viewpoints, "Now, who is the bad guy?" but did Clark have to have almost a dozen different character viewpoints?
   
   Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
   Very extremely minor (one or two d*** and other crass words). I didn't perceive anything sexual in nature (other than a mention that Odile Lane, Dr. Lane's wife, had a boyfriend). Violence includes a woman bludgeoned to death and five women dying in their sleep. A woman is buried alive.
   
   Overall:
   Much better than Eleventh Hour but too slow. It takes too long to get to the mystery part, and there are too many characters. Also, the heroine was rather shallow, making it hard for me to be that invested in her. Probably a 3.5 stars, but since I can't give half stars, I'll be kind and round up to 4.



2. This is the second time that I read this book and found it well written and a quick read. Unfortunately, I remembered the identity of the killer halfway through the book but I still enjoyed it. Mary Higgins Clark is an excellant mystery writer and seldom disappoints. It is good enough not to be ready to put into the donation pile.



3. I am finally on the last chapter. I have been using this book for two weeks now, to put myself to sleep at night. While there seems to be an interesting plot beneath the surface, the surface is cluttered with two-dimesional cliched "nice" and "not nice" characters. I was surprised at the occasional sterotypical ignorant way charaters viewed people working in the funeral business - I don't think all people view them as creepy, etc., I think a certain percent realize what they do for society and are grateful some people take on the job of taking care of our loved ones after death. The one actually interesting charater in the book is from a family of morticians and is interested in death as it pertains to various cultures. Unfortunatley, he is pretty much dismissed as a creepy red herring. The other male characters are so bland I had a hard time telling them apart the first few chapters. The heroine is incredibly banal and perfect. I am to the point where every time I read about her sipping at her non-fattening drink (tea, etc.) and "nibbling" at her food it makes me roll my eyes. Of course she is thin, beautiful, wealthy, and incredibly talented. And apparently sexless. The plus is its a formulaic read - I've read at least two books by this author before and from what I can recall they are indeed great for a light pleasant read inbetween more meaty, absorbing and memorable books. I strongly recommend you check books by this author out from the library and spend your money on something with more depth like "the curious incident of the dog in the night-time". Now that is a book that stays with you.



4. This was my first MHC novel and I thought it was okay, but not much more than that. It started well with a creepy prologue and then an enjoyable reunion between the main character, Maggie, and her former stepmother. There was enough suspense throughout the first half that I kept wanting to hear more, but as the revelations started coming, they just didn't gel for me. There were contrivances a-plenty; for example, the killer intentionally leaves a clue that moves the story along but is severely counterproductive to his/her motives as they are eventually revealed. Speaking of the killer, I'm not a big reader of murder mysteries, but the red herrings were so glaringly obvious that I had the identity of the head baddie guessed correctly halfway through and that of his/her accomplice at the ¾ mark. The whole subplot about the lawyer felt like padding and could have been cut with no loss. By the time I was finished, I had the impression MHC had learned about Victorian bell ringers and thought it would be a nifty idea to build a story around. Unfortunately, the final product required too much suspension of disbelief for my taste.



5. One of her earlier ones. still good but not as good as her newer novels

No comments about Kitchen Privileges [UNABRIDGED] (Audiobook).

5 comments about No Place Like Home: A Novel.

1. Poor Ceilia's got a past that'll raise anyone's blood pressure. The novel has several nice twists... by nice I don't mean pleasant, but I do mean interesting. This is the first book I've heard by Mary Higgins Clark... I know, I live in a box... but I will certainly be reading/ hearing more from her.



2. I enjoyed how quick this read and the character development. The basic concept behind the story was interesting: how and when to share our pasts. It did become a little predictable, which led me to three stars instead of four.



3. Out of the MHC books I've read, this one is one of the better ones. It's a interesting enough plot and very creative as well, with just enough characters with diverse backgrounds to make it all really interesting. It's fun to see how Celia deals with her memories and trying to figure out what happened as she is trying to deal with all the crazy stuff that gets thrown at her. I will say that the ending was rather satisfying for me, though the story certainly isn't without a fair share of surprises. This is classic MHC, I genuinely enjoyed it.



4. One of her earlier ones, not as good as thr newer ones but still a good novel



5. I managed to finish the first cd of this audio book. Then rushed to the library to return it. What an absurd idiotic piece of junk.

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 Pretend You Don't See Her.

5 comments about Two Little Girls in Blue: A Novel.

1. I always enjoy reading any book by Mary Higgins Clark. They usually follow a formula, but this one is much more intricate and suspenseful than her usual, and is the best that I have read.
   
   Twin girls, Kelly and Kathy, are kidnapped for ransom at the beginning of the story. The money is paid, but the handover goes wrong and only Kelly is returned. Initially, it seems that Kathy has perished, but the conviction of her surviving twin convinces the parents that she is still alive. Evidence mounts, but the police are frustrated at every turn. The tension mounts as the race to find the little girl alive builds and the kidnappers become desperate.
   
   This is a great read. It only took me a day to get through, as I couldn't put it down. Just the sort of book that you would want to chuck into your holiday suitcase!



2. Three year old identical twin girls, Kathy and Kelly, are kidnapped from their home in the night. The kidnapper, known as The Pied Piper, demands an eight million dollar ransom. The family isn't rich, but the company the twins' father works for puts up the ransom so that the twins can come home safely. Unfortunately, only one of the twins is returned along with a note saying the other was accidentally killed. The mother has her doubts about Kathy being dead because Kelly is communicating with her telepathically. Now it's up to her to convince the rest of the family and the FBI that her daughter is alive before it's too late to save her.
   
   This book has very short chapters that make for a quick, easy read. I did enjoy the story, mostly because I have identical twin girls and can identify with the bond that the twins in this story share. My girls aren't on the level that these two were, but I've seen some very amazing things take place between them including twin talk. I do have to say that I found the story predictable though. That's why it didn't get a higher rating from me.



3. She's a real easy author to read. If anyone has ever read of my posts in the past knows, easy is good. who likes to sit with a dictionary next to them as you read? Good story pretty typical though. I like her but she's a bit of an old school writer. Twin girls get kidnapped for a ransome of 8 million $$. One twin returns alive and the other is presumed dead but the twins "communicate"



4. Now I know why I had not read a book from MHC since my 20s : they are childishly written. The end seems to have been written in a hurry and is worse than the beginning. I can't find any more to say than this about the book. Very weak story.



5. Having read several other MHC books prior to this, I can't say that I was impressed by this one. The plot is cute, but the twin thing was played too much and came across as rather cheesy. Also, I was surprised to see who the bad guy was in her other books, it was always the person I least expected. However, with this one, I was able to guess who was responsible for the kidnapping. If you're new to MHC, do NOT get this book. There's plenty of other books she wrote that were enjoyable.

5 comments about Where Are You Now?: A Novel.

1. Didn't see the final twist until almost the end. As I fledgling author, I find MHC's plots well crafted and her characters real. The locations are described in such a way that I felt I was walking the streets of New York. All in all, a very enjoyable summer read.



2. Another great read from Mary Higgins Clark. This one keeps you guessing and surpizes you in the end!!!



3. I really enjoy all of the Mary Higgins Clark Books. When you start reading them you can't put the book down till you finish it.



4. I drive 80 hours a day. I am normally in the car for at least 2 1/2 hours/day. This "book" kept me wanting to drive so that I could hear the story. It turned me on to Mary Higgins Clark books.



5. This story could have been told in less than 10 pages. Instead, Clark drags it on until I thought I would lose my mind. I read the end so I could know how the mystery resolved, but this has got to be one of her worst books.

5 comments about Just Take My Heart: A Novel.

1. I enjoyed this as I always do her novels. It was entertaining and suspensful. Once I started reading could not put it down. Would highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes a good mystery.



2. I really enjoy all of the Mary Higgins Clark Books. When you start reading them you can't put the book down till you finish it.



3. Just finished reading this book yesterday. It was great ... Hard to put it down...Really held my interest... A Great Read....



4. Mary Higgins Clark is my most favorite Author, I have not read a book of hers yet that was not absolutely wonderful, and Just Take My Heart is no exception! Holds your interest all the way thru and keeps you wondering how its going to end!!



5. I own and have read most of her books, but I believe that Mary Higgins Clark's latest suspense novel, JUST TAKE MY HEART, is truly one of her best works. It has all the elements which comprise her genre; but, in addition, much of this novel takes place in a courtroom, where a man is on trial for his life, having been accused of murdering his former wife. These elements bring to mind some of the works of John Grisham, who so effectively--especially in his earlier years--used his background as an attorney to weave his compelling stories. JUST TAKE MY HEART should be a very satisfying read for anyone who appreciates fine writing, and enjoys a blend of legal intrigue, suspense, unsolved murders, political corruption...etc., etc. To those readers, without any reservations whatsoever, I highly recommend Ms. Clark's JUST TAKE MY HEART!

5 comments about I Heard That Song Before: A Novel.

1. I enjoyed this book. I've read a number of books by the author and this one probably ranks among my favorite. It was well-written and suspenseful, but easy to read. I finished it in three days.



2. Just what one expects from a Mary Higgins Clark formula: a few possible suspects from the outset, some twists and turns, and a fairly predictable ending. This is her formula. I always enjoy trying to predict the killer within the first twenty pages. Occasionally, I begin to doubt myself as I turn the pages, but I am usually right with my initial prediction. But this is what makes these books such fun to read!
   
   Almost two days of my reading time on the beach were taken up with this one, and I don't regret that. I enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to any MHC or crime fiction fan.



3. I love the work of this author. I can
   hardly put the book down, a real page
   turner. She keeps you on the edge of
   your seat from the first page to the
   last. Stories are very exciting



4. Having read a few MHC books, I can compare this to others. it's not a bad book - about 3.5/4 stars. I liked 'No Place Like Home' better than this book, but that doesn't mean this book was bad. There's enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting. Like her other books, the most obvious-seeming suspect isn't the one who dunnit, so there's all these little clues peppered through the book that keep you wondering. At first you think, gee, maybe the husband DID kill his first wife, then you're not so sure... it's a lot of fun. Overall a fairly enjoyable book.



5. I like her newer novels better although I did enjoy this when I read it

No comments about The Shadow of Your Smile.