You Belong To Me

by Mary Higgins Clark

“The mistress of high tension” ( The New Yorker ) and undisputed Queen of Suspense Mary Higgins Clark brings us another New York Times bestselling novel that USA TODAY calls “her page-turning best” about a killer who targets lonely women on cruise ships, a masterful combination of page-turning suspense and classic mystery.

When Dr. Susan Chandler decides to use her daily radio talk show to explore the phenomenon of women who disappear and are later found to have become victims of killers who prey on the lonely and insecure, she has no idea that she is exposing herself—and those closest to her—to the very terror that she hopes to warn others against.

Susan sets out to determine who is responsible for an attempt on the life of a woman who called in to the show offering information on the mysterious disappearance from a cruise ship, years before, of Regina Clausen, a wealthy investment advisor. Soon Susan finds herself in a race against time, for not only does the killer stalk these lonely women, but he seems intent on eliminating anyone who can possibly further Susan’s investigation.

As her search intensifies, Susan finds herself confronted with the realization that one of the men who have become important figures in her life might be the killer. And as she gets closer to uncovering his identity, she realizes almost too late that the hunter has become the hunted. Is she the next one marked for murder?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Adult

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 1998

About the author

The #1 New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark has written thirty-eight suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a his­torical novel, a memoir, and two children’s books. With bestselling author Alafair Burke she wrote the Under Suspicion series. With her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, she has coauthored five more suspense novels. Her sister-in-law is the also author Mary Jane Clark.

Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and made her an international bestseller many times over.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read! The storyline unfolded right way -- awesome writing and storytelling. Huge fan of this author (paperback!)

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

You belong to me is creepy and shrouded in mystery! I loved it.

I seem to be mixed on Mary Higgins Clark. Some of her books I dislike but others..like "Loves Music, Loves to Dance" are incredible.

This one falls into the second category. The main character, Susan runs a call in radio show (more on that in a minute). When a woman who calls in, is murdered Susan sets out to find answers, in the process putting herself in much danger.

The radio call in is ma great backdrop for a mystery because the bad guy..or girl..can literally be anyone. Clark rights really well and this book is quite intense. Read it if you like gritty, mysterious psychological thrillers.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Belong to Me was my first Mary Higgins Clark. She's such a popular and prolific author, I had put off reading her books. I was afraid I wouldn't like them, but what I should have been afraid of was enjoying them. You Belong to Me was an exciting, suspenseful read that made me regret not reading Clark's books earlier.

Susan is a former assistant district attorney turned psychologist and radio host. When she inquires on-air about a missing woman she sets off a murderous chain reaction she never could have predicted. I cared about what happened to Susan, but I also questioned her often. I couldn't understand why she wouldn't follow certain obvious - to me at least - leads. She had a lot of stuff going on, personally and professionally, so ultimately it could have been a realistic portrayal of things slipping through the cracks unnoticed.

Each page of You Belong to Me drew me in further than the last. I could not put this book down. It could be a little repetitive at time, going over certain things two or three different times, but I was so wrapped up in the story I barely cared.

I was in awe of the storytelling in throughout the entire book. I highly enjoyed the way the book was written and that actually stopped my progress on a few occasions. Clark took the full advantage of what writing for print has to offer and exercised freedom that visual media can't compete with. She was able to show the story from multiple perspectives, including the killer's. She showed the actions and thoughts of all the suspects and the killer without letting on which suspect was the killer. You were in the killers head, seeing what he saw and yet couldn't tell which man was guilty or innocent. It was an amazing experience.

[✦BookishlyRichie✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS!!

I really enjoyed this one! can't wait to watch the movie later today. If you're looking for a quick, thrilling read, I'd highly recommend this. - R.

[Tori Hoeschler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good. Not good at all.
I am so disappointed to be writing this review! MHC is one of the only mystery authors I will give any sort of attention to and typically when I pick up one of her books I’ll have it read in 3 days max. Up to this point, her success rate in the world of me has been 100%. Without really having to say anything else, I’ll tell you that this book took me 3 weeks, 3 WEEKS, to read.
She definitely has a formula with her books: Grim Incident at the Beginning + Interesting Explanatory Story in the Middle = Super Suspenseful and Thrilling Ending.
Although the formula can make for simple reading, it always makes for a great mystery. However, with this book, the formula went more along the lines of:
Quick and Bland Explanatory Story at the Beginning + Very Bland, Predictable and Mildly Grim Incidents throughout the Middle= Anticlimactic Ending. The book read like a bad murder drama you’d see on Lifetime Television for Women.
So so so disappointing!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! Love this author's books!!

[Sassy Katt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a book by MHC for some time now. This one was a bit confusing in the beginning. There were a lot of characters and she kept popping from one to the other. But once I got to know them it wasn't so bad. It was a very simple mystery. Quick and easy read.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Higgins Clark may not write the most imaginative of thrillers but she's an accomplished writer in her own right and she never fails to deliver a page-turner that's full of suspense. She's like that dependable friend: she can always be relied on to produce a mystery thriller that is easily digestible and pleasant to read. You Belong to Me doesn't disappoint and is an entertaining read despite its formulaic structure and predictability. While I had picked the killer quite early on, she kept me guessing and doubting myself with the red herrings that were thrown in throughout the narrative. The only minor letdown is that when the killer is finally revealed, apart from being barking mad, the implied motive for the murders seems quite weak - although, who am I to argue that insanity isn't a good enough reason? As described on Amazon, this is vintage Mary Higgins Clark and most readers will enjoy this fast-moving storyline that makes for effortless reading.

[Ana M. Román · Rating 3 out of 5]

No es de lo mejor de la autora. Estaba bastante cantado desde el principio quién era el malo de la película o mejor dicho, del libro.

Por otro lado, menuda hermana se gasta la protagonista!! Con hermanas así quién necesita enemigos... Lo que le hizo ya me parece bastante increíble -hay hermanos que dejen de hablarse por menos- y encima está dispuesta a volverlo a hacer. Dee necesita un psicológo. Otro que no sea su propia hermana.

Un libro con el que pasar el rato. Como siempre, el particular estilo de la autora con sus capítulos cortos y sus continuos cambios de puntos de vista entre los personajes sin que por ello te lleve a confusión en ningún momento, hace que no se haga pesada su lectura aunque no la encuentres imprevisible.

[Aitor Castrillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Se lee muy fácil y entretiene. Unas misteriosas desapariciones, una psicóloga investigando los hechos y un asesino en serie acechándola.

Recuerdo que leí esta novela hace muchos tiempo. Era verano y cada día a día desplegaba una toalla para poder leer sobre el césped de la piscina. ¡Aquellos maravillosos años!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It couldn’t hold me... but I’ll def try another book by her!

[Faa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Mrs. Clark enchanted me with the beauty of New York and most importantly, the real-life of psychologist (or shrink as we love to call them). Dr. Susan in this book is definitely a strong woman but lack of control in her life. She lost a love partner to her sister, she lost her father to a whinny stepmother and she was having a love-hate relationship with her dear sister, Dee.

When Dr Susan was exposed to mysterious disappearing of one Regina Clausen during one of her radio show, she was determine to atleast found out what happened to her. Someone was agitated when Dr Susan started her investigation on Regina and from there few odd and unexplained tragedies struck her and people around her. Obviously, as she found out later, that person was the person responsible for the disapperanced of Regina and few other girls while they were on a cruise liner trip all around the world.

In the end, the bad deserved what the did and Dr Susan is all safe and in good hands ;-)

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should remember not to read MHC back to back; it only leads to disappointment with her repetitive formulas. Particularly in You Belong to Me I had the killer picked out way in advance - not because the clues were there, but because he was the only one who *hadn't* been pointed at, which is pretty typical. I'm also getting a bit fed up with "strong" female protagonists (always lawyers, journalists, etc.) who, in spite of their insistence that they can "take care of themselves," somehow *always* end up being rescued by their men in the end. Lesson learned: I'll put MHC back on the shelf for a while.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Mary Higgins Clark. I like them because they keep me guessing till the end. And each one is so different - she doesn't write by a formula. This one is about a psychologist who has a radio show and invites an author on who wrote a book about woman vanishing. The broadcast opens a can of worms that nearly kills Dr Susan and had me guessing who dunit till the end!
And she doesn't use bad language to "spice" up the story it works very well without!!!!!!

[Nikki Morin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, very gripping, but I have figured out the formula of these books: the killer is always the most handsome and eligible man, to throw readers off the scent. With this in mind I easily guessed the killer despite all red herrings thrown at us. (The exception to this rule is when the author reveals the identity of the killer to us in the beginning, in which case the killer is always an ugly, cold mannered doctor with a god complex.)

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of predictable, but I did enjoy the book. I loved her writing throughout the book, and it was easy to read.

[Aroha Hepworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't yet finished it all the way. It is a really great book though, it starts off kind of boring and slow, but when you get maybe 8 or 9 chapters into it, the book gets really good. I have stayed up really late a couple of nights because I haven't been able to close the book. It is a good keep you at the edge of your seat kind of book. Yes, at times it is a little boring, but most of the time it is quite a good read. I definitely suggest it for good, mystery book lovers. I really like what I have read so far. I only have 4 chapters left! but, I can't read them just yet because my parents have told me that I need to do my homework because I have been reading for all of my spare time. I love the book, look forward to reading other Mary Higgins Clark books!

-Aroha (Randi) Hepworth

[Jyothsna · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an utter waste of a decent plot!! The book was riddled with intentionally misleading side stories and a cheap attempt to throw the reader off from guessing who the killer is, which by itself made the end obvious. A classy author like Mary Higgins Clark, did not have to resort to this.
My other complaint about this book is the lack of tightness of plot. In trying to offer every person's perspective in this book, it seems like the author instead tried to offer the reader every character's every single thought! I am very disappointed

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good murder mystery!

[Connie Anne Kikta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book. Nothing spectacular, but did keep my interest.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Content Warnings after review**

There is something comforting about a mass-market paperback mystery. I first read Mary Higgins Clark novel in middle school as the library had a couple on the shelves. Since then, I pick them up whenever I want a fast-paced novel that focuses on the characters as well as the mystery. This is my second time reading You Belong to Me and while I remembered the important parts, like who the killer was, I still enjoyed my time with Dr. Susan Chandler as she unraveled new and old mysteries and deaths.

This novel is told from multiple perspectives, and Clark is the queen of the red herring. Throughout the novel, the reader is given hints and clues that each of the male perspectives might be the killer, along with sections from the killer. Again, it was less stressful for me this time around as I remembered who the killer was, but I remember the first time reading it I had no idea who the killer was until the end. This is something that I feel is characteristic of Clark novels, or at least the ones I have read.

I will say that this novel is slightly dated, which is fair given that it was published in 1998. However, the fact that Dr. Chandler had done three radio programs about missing and vanished women, started to realize that a few of the deaths might be related and still allowed two separate men to pick her up on first dates and walk her to the front door of her apartment. Not the front door of the apartment building, her actual apartment. Like, red flags left, right, and center, but probably not in 1998. Also, everyone in this novel has five or more room apartments in New York City. They are all professionals, but still. Five-room apartment in THIS economy? Impossible. It was small things like that, and having to wire transfer to get cruise pictures, make it obvious that this novel is from a certain time and place.

One thing I really enjoy in Clark mysteries is that there is usually a B-plot that is interesting in its own right. While I can understand how Dr. Chandler’s mother, father, and stepmother were acting, I really did not like her sister Dee. I am not saying she is poorly written, I’m saying she is self-absorbed and doesn’t care how much it hurts the people around her. There were times when she was in possible danger and I kind of didn’t care whether she lived or died. It is a testament to Clark’s writing that I felt so negatively toward her, but even though Dr. Chandler had sympathy for her sister, I did not. Then again, characters in novels don’t have to be likable.

Overall, this gives exactly what you want it to from a mystery thriller. This isn’t ground breaking or thought-provoking, but it is a fun time. I am going to keep the original 4-star rating. I am sure as I read my mysteries my feelings might change, but there isn’t anything I disliked about this novel enough to drop the star rating. I have maybe 5 more on my shelves to read so that might change my opinion as well. Only time will tell.

**Content Warnings**

Death, Murder

**Original Review**

This novel, along with most of the Mary Higgins Clark novels that I have read, was an enjoyable mystery. I am always a sucker for novels that jump between characters perspectives and really enjoyed how we got not only into all the main characters heads, but the killers head as well. I see why they call these suspense novels because when you know someone is about to die or holds a key to the mystery and then read how they aren't going to do the one thing that will save their life, it drives you up a wall. I don't know if that is suspense so much as anger, but a few times I was screaming at the characters at this book. However, the reasons why the characters did these infuriating actions was all very human and therefore I wasn't mad at the writing of them. I mean, who really wants to get involved with a murder investigation? This novel was a quick read and very intriguing, though I have to admit I figured out who the killer was before the end of the novel.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

2020
3.5 to 4 stars

This has always been one of my favorite Mary Higgins Clark books for a reason. I have always found it so interesting that the serial killer has based his kills off of the song "You Belong to Me." And MHC misdirects you about who the killer is until the very last page of the reveal.

Although, the majority of the characters were likable, I hated Dee and Binky. Even Charles (because he held Binky on such a pedestal, even above his own daughters. He was just blind to the way that Binky treated Susan). And Dee was such a manipulative b*tch. Swooping in and trying to steal Susan's man (and not just once, but TWICE!).

2015

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pretty certain I had pegged the murderer pretty close to the beginning, but it is allowing that little bit of doubt that makes the read fun. A quick, simple, entertaining read. There are definitely times where characters make great leaps in logic, or do remarkably stupid things that could have been prevented easily, but ah well. And Dee is a selfish jerk. Seriously.

Some swearing, definite violence and murder/attempted murder.

[Stefania Masia · Rating 5 out of 5]

La mia cara Mary,
ogni libro di questa autrice per me solo una coccola al cuore. È la stata la prima autrice di libri giallo/thriller e leggere o rileggere un suo libro per me è sempre una sensazione di benessere e di protezione.
Perché si la signora Clark nella sua lunga carriera non ha sbagliato un colpo.
I capitoli brevi, una trama fitta di eventi,tanto personaggi che si intrecciato,fanno si che si crei un ritmo incalzante e ben studiato.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
❤️

[Kavya Janani U. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a good suspense! This is my first Mary Higgins Clark read. I think I might read her other books too, though I am not damn sure about it. I had figured out the murderer soon though MHC cleverly drew out other suspects too.

The narration was racy and it'd keep you hooked till the end. Recommended for crime fiction lovers!

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this author sometimes because I have a friend who really loves her, and she gives me the books. The stories are a tad simplistic for my tastes, but Clark writes well, and the mysteries are fun.

[Dipika Bangera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved Mary Higgins Clarks books and this book is no exception. I tend to get up in the middle of the night and continue reading as she is an excellent suspense creator. All her books are my favorites and if you like thrillers, please do read her books.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Tefu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the entire book, the trama was amaizing. Although, the end wasn´t that good, but most of it, i was grateful i could read it. I really recommend it!

[Hosaena M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 9 days: 3 murders, 1 attempted, and the only connection is a turquoise ring. This book will keep you guessing until the very end.