https://sravikabodapati.blogspot.com/2024/01/where-are-children-by-mary-higgins.... ( )

One of the first psychological thrillers I read way back when. Just reread it yesterday. Very good, keeps your attention. ( )

crime, pedophile, thriller, Cape Cod ( )

Where Are the Children? was published in 1975 by Mary Higgins Clark. It was her first fiction book. She had been making a living by writing radio scripts and decided that that she should write a book, but she had no idea what kind of book. She looked at her bookshelves and saw that they were full of Agatha Christie, Josephine Tey, and a whole lot of mysteries and thrillers , so she decided to write a thriller. She sat down and started writing and, according to he notes at the beginning of the reprint that I read, the book just "flew off her pen." She sent her completed copy to her agent, and waited. She didn't hear anything for quite awhile so she followed up with a phone call to her agent, and was informed that the book had already been picked up and was going to be published with no edits or revisions. I was fascinated to read this story of her entry into the writing of fiction thrillers, which was in her author's preview at the beginning of the book I read. So then it was time to read the story. I was not prepared for the sophistication of this thriller. The writing is incredible, the characters real, and the bad guy as chilling as any I've ever read. Now, almost 50 years later we have a long-awaited second book to what started it all, and I will be reading it as well.. Mary Higgins Clark is often referred to as the writer who wrote the first Psychological thriller. The book moves ahead at a break neck pace, and the action occurs all within one day. All ends well at the end, and I could put the book down with a satisfied sigh. Highly recommended for all thriller lovers, and a lesson as to how an impeccable thriller should be written.WasWas ( )

Where have the Children Gone by Mary Higgins Clark is a 2023 Pocket Books publication. (Originally published in 1975 by Simon & Schuster)

If I have my information straight, this was MHC’s first novel of suspense, which was originally published in 1975. Of course, we all know she went on to earn the ‘Queen of Suspense’ moniker and had a very long, successful career.

I can’t tell you with complete honesty, if I ever read this book before, but if I did, it was too long ago for me to remember- so I'm happy to see the book has been reissued so I can read it before Alafair Burke's follow-up- which I am so excited about!!

(Burke co-authored a series with Clark before her death, so she is familiar with Clark’s style of writing, and I hope she will continue to keep her legacy going. It seems fitting that Burke would begin with a story featuring Nancy's adult children.)

But before I get ahead of myself- let's take a look at this classic:

Nancy was in her twenties when her two children were murdered, and she became the prime suspect. She was convicted of the crime, but was let go on a technicality. She started over, got remarried, had more children, and lived a quiet life off the Cape, hoping a key witness would stay hidden and that she would never be recognized or retried for murder.

Unfortunately, the absolute worse happens when Nancy’s children disappear- again!

For a book written back in the mid-seventies, this story featured some taboo topics, for its time, such a pedophilia, which publishers were apparently concerned about. Though there are some signs of age, this story stands the test of time very well. The suspense is indeed intense, and although I am a jaded reader, I was on the edge of my seat a few times.

Overall, I thought for a first-time suspense writer this book was well executed and fast-paced. I can see why Clark became so popular! This is a quick read and a real page turner, too. I can’t wait to see how Burke continues this story with Nancy’s adult children!

4 stars ( )