I’ve never read a Mary Higgins Clark book, and according to the jacket copy she’s the author of 29 suspense novels, 3 collections of short stories, a historical novel, a children’s book and a memoir, plus coauthor with Carol Higgins Clark of 5 holiday suspense novels. Prolific. Was I missing out?
My preference is quirky fiction by new authors and a handful of books by authors who I can’t pass up, but I’m always willing to try something new. So when Mary arrived in the mail as a suggestion from the folks at Simon and Schuster, I thought I’d give it a try.
At 82, Olivia Morrow is terminally ill and debating whether she will leave the world with or without sharing the secret that her cousin, the soon to be beatified nun, had a son out of wedlock. That son’s daughter stands as the rightful heir to what remains of a great fortune.
Not really the kind of plot that interests me, but I was pleased by the immediate suspense established and I can understand why Mary Higgins Clark’s books are bestsellers. They’re certainly page-turners!
I liked the plot twists and turns, was surprised by the number of characters added late in the novel, pleased by the neatly wrapped ending and a bit appalled at the number of people who end of dead in the story. It was what I expected–easy read, good suspense, more action than character development and formulaic (but without disappointment).
If you’re looking for a good candy read, this one goes well with ginger snaps and a hot toddy.
The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark
Published by Simon and Schuster