Seven years ago, Nancy Harmon fled the west coast and landed in a small Cape Cod town. She wanted to live a solitary life anonymously after having been convicted of killing her two children and later having that conviction overturned on a technicality. She’s now remarried with two children and it’s her birthday, which she doesn’t normally celebrate. Her son and daughter are outside playing when she discovers something that threatens to shatter her world. But, when Nancy goes to bring her children inside, there nowhere to be found.
I knew immediately that suspicion was going to be pointed directly at Nancy. What I loved about the story is that we’re given the answer to this mystery right away, even though we don’t know the why or whom. It’s what made it compelling as their are little clues given to people in the town that on their own don’t seem meaningful but to us? We know it’s relevant and are on the sidelines just praying that someone assembles them and figures this thing out.
My book club selected this as a tribute to the author, who died in January. I recall reading Mary Higgins Clark when I was a young teen and loved her stories but somehow missed this one. This was her debut fiction novel and it doesn’t feel like a first-time effort. I’m also glad I chose to listen to it, and though it was the first audio version (found an old used copy), the narrator delivered an excellent performance. She had my nerves on edge from the very beginning and her pacing was perfect. Lastly, while this was written in 1975, there’s not a thing about it that feels dated. This story is timeless.
Book Info
- Release Date: November 27, 2006
- Narrator: Margot Dionne
- Audio Length: 6 hours, 30 minutes
- Publisher: Recorded Books
(sample features a different narrator, the fabulous January LaVoy)
Blue Mood Café 
I’ve not read any of her books in YEARS – such sad news of her passing. Great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jules💜 I hadn’t either. She was a trailblazer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab review Jo! I’ve never read or listened to anything by her am I missing out?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicki💜 I read her when I was in high school and she’s a great storyteller. We were all surprised at how good this was, being her first novel. I graduated to more challenging thrillers as I grew older so I’ve not tried anything in recent years. However, I’ve collected the books she’s co-written with Alafair Burke and they’ve been well rated. I’d actually recommend this one, narrated by January LaVoy who is in my top five list of narrators.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jo I’ll look out for them on Goodreads! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s the link to the series I’m collecting:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/137840-under-suspicion
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! 😀
LikeLike
Great review, Jonetta. 🙂 I haven’t read any of her books, so, I think it’s time to correct my mistake. Thanks for recommending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debjani💜 I’d forgotten what a good storyteller she was. I do hope you enjoy whenever you get an opportunity to try one of her books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been a long, long time since I read anything from her, so maybe, like you, I should add this one to my wish list, and remind myself way she was such a beloved author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Because it was her debut novel, I wasn’t looking forward to listening to it. This was such a wonderful surprise.
LikeLike
Makes it even more poignant then too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know I’ve read her but I can’t remember any titles…it’s been so long!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, Carol! I was in high school when I read a lot of her books. Don’t know how I missed this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As soon as I saw the title of this post, I thought, this is the first Mary Higgins Clark book I read. Well, now I know why, it was her debut. I read every book of hers along the way, and as a teen and young adult I love them all. I haven’t read some of her more recent ones, but I hope to rectify that. Wonderful review Jonetta, this could definitely be a Throwback Thursday book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carla💜 While I didn’t read this one, I read a lot of her books as a teen. I haven’t read any of them since but have collected those co-written with Alafair Burke. And this is definitely a good throwback candidate. Carla, it didn’t feel dated at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know that her work still stands up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time for me to get cracking on some Agatha Christie books. Glad this one stood up to the test of time, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another author I haven’t read in a while. And Christie was one of my staples growing up, Marialyce💜
LikeLike
Wow, what a blast from the past! I loved seeing your review. How cool that people are still reading this, and that it holds up. I read it probably within 10 years of its release, and remember being blown away by it — I’d neve read anything like it!
LikeLike
Thank you, Lisa💜 I couldn’t have been more pleased about a book written over 40 years ago that was still relevant! Higgins Clark was truly remarkable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic review! I haven’t read this author but this sounds wonderful. And January LaVoy is incredible!
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLike