The Cinderella Murder

Under Suspicion #2

by Mary Higgins Clark, Alafair Burke

Television producer Laurie Moran is delighted when the pilot for her reality drama, Under Suspicion, is a success. Even more, the program—a cold case series that revisits unsolved crimes by recreating them with those affected—is off to a fantastic start when it helps solve an infamous murder in the very first episode.

Now Laurie has the ideal case to feature in the next episode ofUnder Suspicion: the Cinderella Murder. When Susan Dempsey, a beautiful and multi-talented UCLA student, was found dead, her murder raised numerous questions. Why was her car parked miles from her body? Had she ever shown up for the acting audition she was due to attend at the home of an up-and-coming director? Why does Susan’s boyfriend want to avoid questions about their relationship? Was her disappearance connected to a controversial church that was active on campus? Was she close to her computer science professor because of her technological brilliance, or something more? And why was Susan missing one of her shoes when her body was discovered?

With the help of lawyer and Under Suspicion host Alex Buckley, Laurie knows the case will attract great ratings, especially when the former suspects include Hollywood’s elite and tech billionaires. The suspense and drama are perfect for the silver screen—but is Cinderella’s murderer ready for a close-up?

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

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2014

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

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The central character of this book, is a youngish career woman in her late thirties. Her name is Laurie Moran, and she has a ten year-old son Tommy, and a widower father Leo, a retired police officer. Laurie’s life is threatened when her investigations into a twenty year-old murder, unearth secrets that have been successfully hidden from view.

The Cinderella Murder is about Susan Dempsey, UCLA student, computer geek and aspiring actress, who is murdered on her way to an audition at the up and coming film director Frank Parker’s house.

Everyone except her mother Rosemary Dempsey, have lots of secrets to hide, mostly related to the dodgy church Advocates for God, and its sinister founder and leader Martin Collins. The re-investigation stirs up these issues, resulting in two more murders, two attempted murders and a suicide.
I enjoyed the book, finding the majority of the characters likeable and engaging. I particularly liked Grace and Jerry, Laurie’s assistants; her dad, and the software co-founder Dwight Collins. I also found it interesting the ways in which society has changed in the past twenty years, especially with the use of technology. All in all enjoyed it.

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am elated that the Reality TV Show premise continues! This book has a lot of different guest characters, and at first I was worried about remembering who's who. But actually, it's pretty easy to keep track of them all. We have our main characters: Laurie, Alex, Dad, and even little Timmy, each involved in solving another thrilling case.

What I particularly enjoyed about this series is its fast-paced nature. The story moves quickly, and it's easy to get caught up in the excitement. The book is also a breeze to listen to, making it an entertaining experience overall. It's a fun and entertaining book that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

[Karin Slaughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC! Two of my most favorite writers in the world doing what they do best. Highly recommend!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 2nd book in the 'Under Suspicion' series, producer Laurie Moran investigates a 20-year-old murder for her reality crime show. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

New York based Laurie Moran produces a television show called 'Under Suspicion', a reality show that highlights cold cases.





The program brings together people who were involved with the victim, questions them, and perhaps sheds new light on (or even solves) the case. Laurie's new project involves the murder of Susan Dempsey, a beautiful young coed/aspiring actress whose body was found in Los Angeles twenty years ago - a crime dubbed 'The Cinderella Murder.'



Laurie has great empathy for crime victims and their families because her own husband was murdered a few years previously.

With the encouragement of Susan's mother, Rosemary, Laurie makes her way to L.A. with her production team, her young son Timmy, her ex-cop father (Timmy's babysitter), and attorney Alex Buckley - who's excellent at questioning the would-be suspects.



At the time of the crime the police questioned Susan's boyfriend, a movie director, a couple of roommates, a lab partner, and so on. Laurie lines up these people to be on the show.



It seems that almost everyone who was in Susan's orbit has something to hide, however, and the shenanigans of some of these people lead to further murders and assaults.



Thus, it seems like everyone who knew Susan or is involved with making the TV program is in danger. All this leads to a not-quite-satisfying but rather dramatic climax.

For me a big problem with the book involves the behavior of some characters. One character hides a secret for twenty years that most people would reveal in twenty seconds, another uses a super-elaborate surveillance system when just participating in the TV show would be much easier. This kind of thing makes the plot feel manipulative and unrealistic. That said, the book contains a nice array of interesting characters, has a tiny drop of romance (for readers who like that kind of thing), and is a quick easy read.

I'd mildly recommend the book to mystery fans.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/

[paige (ptsungirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Never judge a book by its cover, especially when the book is a person, was the lesson."

°•*⁀➷

Oh, I think I'm going to just adore this series. I really liked the first book, but this one really did it for me. I loved the connection between Laurie and Rosemary, and how in the end the only thing that really matters about this show is finding details to bring peace to someone who otherwise would have never had it. When rosemary lost her daughter, she seemed to be the only person who wouldn't give up on finding out who killed her Susan. Nor would any mother, I think.

I loved the speech in the end when Laurie relates her own story about her murdered husband to only allow Rosemary to see even a tiny bit more why she helped her. Why she chose to bring forth cold cases and attempt to solve them.

And this story also had a bit of a love story for Laurie inside of it as well. And Tommy in the end, being to excited about it, it was the true tipping point for me. This was such a good book. The plot was so special. The two separate storylines were interesting. And I absolutely did not want to put it down. Can't wait to grab the next one!

- Paige

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the format of The Cinderella Murder.TV producer Laurie Moran is putting together an edition of Under Suspicion, a show where she intends to bring together witnesses of the unsolved murder of Susan Dempsey, to try and find additional clues and maybe solve the case. It made quite a refreshing change from detective/investigative journalist/lawyer stories. Whilst this is the second in the series, it really doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the first book, because everything you need to know about Laurie and her background and family is explained, and in a nice way; one that doesn’t make you feel as if you are being “info dumped”.

Set in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, the story really does twist and turn as the characters come together for the show recording and as we heard from them all I was constantly changing my mind as to who was guilty. Matters get even trickier for Laurie when it becomes apparent that someone is trying to stop her making the show. The question is who and why.

There are quite a lot of characters in the story and as it progressed I did feel as if I connected with some more than others. On the whole though, this was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading – it was suspenseful, well paced and really kept my interest throughout. Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.

[Malinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading a Mary Higgins Clark book is like comfort food. You always know what to expect because each of her books have the basic story- Successful, tallish slender woman (because her life is too complicated to find food interesting) who is currently single. Each time she meets a tall and equally successful and handsome man who will help save the day right before the murderer strikes. This being said, I have read every single one of her books and I will be one sad woman when she stops writing. However, because this book was based on a repeat character, I felt like it was even more repetitive and uninteresting.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. I quite liked this one. It was different, easy to read and get into. The book is centred around Laurie Moran, who is producing a reality TV show called "Under Suspicion". The show hopes to bring new evidence to light and help solve previously unsolved cases. I really liked all of the characters, particularly Laurie and her Father, Leo, and son, Timmy. I did question some of the deductions made from the clues, and thought at times it was a bit far fetched. Overall it was quite an enjoyable read and I will read the next one which should be out next month! I will definitely read more of both authors. My rating is more like 3.5 stars but I rounded it up to 4.

[Renata Annese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! If you like true crime, you might get a kick out of this series. I liked the twists and turns. The stories are complex, with fascinating characters. Keeps you guessing who done It until the end. I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Under Suspicion series by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke.

Loved the first one in this series, loved this one too. Big fan of cold case murder mysteries and this one was gripping, fast paced, twisty and suspenseful.

Can't wait to read #3


Library loan.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ilove this author! I have read all of her books and she never has disappointed me. This one is an awesome mystery and had me guessing to the very end who the murderer was going to be. I loved the characters. This book had a really good plot. I didn't guess the murderer and it was a surprise. It's really hard to write a review because it would give the book away.

Laurie produces a TV show called Under Suspicion, she wants to do this so that she can find out the killer of a girl that dies. During the show she listens while other people talk who were roommates of the girl who died. A lot of clues are popping left and right and the killer is revealed. It gets very suspenseful near the end of the story. The last seventy pages is a good thrill ride that keeps you guessing.

My favorite characters are Laurie and Leo.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I wouldn't want to reread it,only because I don't usually reread books, and I don't see this as a life changing book. I have changed the way that I rate books.

[Takoneando entre libros · Rating 3 out of 5]

El asesinato de Cenicienta
Alafair Burke y Mary Higgins Clark

Bajo sospecha 2

Bueno, tercer libro que leo de la serie y segundo en el orden que corresponde...no hagáis como yo, empezar por el quinto jajajajaja

Si el primero de la serie no me gustó y me pareció malillo, debo decir que este me ha dejado buen sabor, al igual que el que hace el quinto de la serie. Y me ha dado por pensar que a ver si Alafair Burke va a ser la que mejora los libros, ya que el primero está escrito solo por Higgins.
Tres estrellas
Aunque podrían ser 4 estrellas ya que me ha parecido muy muy entretenido... aunque previsible

[Filipa Vitorino ( Arco Iris dos Livros e Companhia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gostei muito! Um policial excelente, cheio de mistério…..

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the approach taken by the writers of basing this crime story as an episode of a reality TV show investigating cold cases. Producer Laurie Moran had a big success with her pilot program and now has the green light to go ahead with an episode on the 20y old murder of beautiful, talented college student, Susan Dempsey. Susan had been on her way to the house of a famous movie director to audition for a part in his new film, however instead her body was found with one shoe missing in a park near his home. There were several unanswered questions at the time. Why was her car found back at the college? How did her room mate manage to get to the Director's so quickly after Susan failed to show up and get the part? Was her boyfriend somehow connected to her death?

Laurie is successful in rounding up Susan's family, her room mates, boyfriend, the movie director, and a college friend and a college professor who she worked for. One of them at least knows more than they are saying but which one is guilty?

With the help of handsome lawyer Alex Buckley, Laurie is able to discover much of what went on that night. The tension and suspense builds gradually as the stories of all involved unfold, culminating in a thrilling ending. Great read! I really loved the combination of these two writers and look forward the next episode in this series.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

"O Assassínio da Cinderela" foi um bom início de série, com bons personagens, uma boa equipa de investigação, tendo a personagem principal, Laurie, a sua própria tragédia pessoal. A dupla Mary Higgins Clark e Alafair Burke funcionaram na perfeição, construindo um livro com capítulos curtos, o que imprimiu bastante ritmo à história e com uma série que promete. Vou tê-la debaixo de olho.
Gostei.


opinião completa: http://marcadordelivros.blogspot.pt/2...

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Moran’s television program "Under Suspicion" had debuted with huge success. Their very first show had caused a cold case to be solved; a murder which had dogged the police since it had happened. So now Laurie was set to run another; with the approval of her boss Brett, and the help of her assistants, Jerry and Grace, she started on her investigation of the Cinderella Murder. Twenty years previously, nineteen year old UCLA student and only daughter of Jack and Rosemary, Susan Dempsey had been viciously murdered. Her killer had never been found, and Jack had passed away three years previously, having never discovered his daughter’s killer. Now Rosemary was desperate for answers.

Laurie had recently known tragedy herself and now her son, nine year old Timmie and her dad Joe were her life. She juggled her intense workload with her family commitments well, but still she was extremely grateful to her dad for his dedication and care of Timmie. Joe was a retired policeman and kept a close eye on his daughter and grandson. His cop radar was always working.

Getting to know the past players in the Cinderella Murder case was a challenge, but one that Laurie and her team were prepared for. Digging deeply to learn it all could uncover facts the police had missed long ago. That’s what Laurie hoped anyway. When host of "Under Suspicion", lawyer Alex Buckley joined the team as they travelled to California, they had no idea that danger was following them all the way. Would Laurie and her team discover Susan’s killer? Would Rosemary know closure after all this time?

The Cinderella Murder is a fabulous start to a new series by two highly successful writers, Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke; my opinion – they have a winning combination! A fabulous thriller with a rocketing pace, loads of tension and suspense to keep you enthralled right the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will be looking for the next in the series – hopefully not too far away. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.

[Meena · Rating 1 out of 5]

The protagonist hosts a television show where they talk to the people close to the victim of an unsolved murder case. The second episode in their show and both their episodes have lead to solving the murder.

Let my Rant begin: the characters are so 2-dimensional, the bad ones are shallow, they sleep around, they're selfish, everything bad. And the good people are angels on earth. The murder victim was so loved, tbh, she felt like a walking obituary. People missed her WHILE she was alive, she was that pure .

And the protagonist, I swear if you checked her blood samples, the co2 levels would be critically low from all the constant sighing she does. A person cannot sneeze around her without her sighing over the memory of her late husband sneezing just like that.

The actual murderer didn't really do anything worth all the fuss that the murder victim made, but to make him more villainous, let's add a few shallow sexual encounters.

This book might be better suited for younger readers.

[Franceseattle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very dull, lackluster mystery, almost as if it was written by a well-programmed computer. I can't believe that either author was very interested in the story, and I had a hard time finding anything human, interesting, or even suspenseful in it. I love good mysteries, and often have a hard time putting them down. Not this one.

[Suzzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This addition to the series was so fascinating. It had a great pace and you there is suspense for at least 3/4 of the book. Overall it was a quick, good suspense to read with lots of different revelations on a cold case.

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A TV series "Under Suspicion) investigates unsolved murders. In this case the murder took place 20 years ago. Good investigative techniques discovered items not known to the original investigation. Book definitely kept my attention.

[Magpie67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worst parent nightmare... sending your daughter to college, and having her murdered. Twenty years later, still unsolved... a mother decides to allow a t.v. producer to find the truth or at least get the boyfriend convicted. Loving the premise this title and series brings to the culture now out there... solving the cold cases, bringing justice to the families and peace of mind for the souls. Reality T.V. is a thing, so this series fits in with this scenario; add in the element of an young girl murdered on the eve of her big break in show business and you have suspense. Wait... now add a few complicated individuals and a new religion; or is it? Whodunit is looking wild among the natives. On one hand there is murder and on the other hand there is desperation. Plus: money, fame, greed, cheating and love are all being dealt a hand too. Who will get a second chance after the truth is revealed and who will suffer when all the cards are played?

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cinderella Murder

This was better than I expected it to be. I've read all of Mary Higgins Clark's books since her very first novel was published and the last couple of years she seemed to be losing her touch but I think co authoring with Alafair Burke was a great move on her part. I have never heard of or read any of Alafair Burke's novels before but I may try her out now. I give this book 3 and a half stars.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The dialogue at times sounds like a courtroom. A nine year old kid seems to be smartest. 4 of 10 stars

[Asia Paglino · Rating 4 out of 5]

[English review down below]
🇮🇹 Devo ammettere di aver iniziato questo libro con davvero tanti dubbi legati sia alla storia che ai troppi commenti letti nei riguardi delle due autrici.
Fortunatamente questo romanzo si è dimostrato una scelta azzeccata e una piacevole lettura.
L’aspetto che più mi ha colpita è lo stile di scrittura, scorrevole al punto da far sembrare semplicissimo scrivere una storia del genere, ma allo stesso tempo capace di tenerti incollato alle pagine con un ritmo incalzante.
La storia è ben costruita e riesce a reggere sia che il libro venga letto all'interno della serie che come libro singolo.
Ci si trova davanti ad un delitto dove in apparenza sembra esserci un movente amoroso, ma come in ogni delitto, nulla è come sembra e tutti hanno qualcosa da nascondere. Mary Higgins Clark e Alafair Burke portano alla soluzione del caso con l’aiuto delle personalità più disparate e differenti le une dalle altre, mescolando il passato con il presente, perché ciò che abbiamo vissuto immancabilmente troverà il modo di influenzare il nostro futuro.
La trama ha tutti gli elementi che un libro del genere può promettere e deve avere, con l’aggiunta però di colpi di scena tanto logici quanto inaspettati, capaci di depistare il lettore quasi completamente.
Nel complesso, un libro ben scritto e ben riuscito. Leggerò sicuramente altri lavori di queste autrici.
___
🇬🇧 I must admit I've started this book with many doubts related to the many comments I've read about the two authors.
Fortunately, this novel has result to be a good choice and a pleasant read.
The aspect that struck me most is the style of writing, flowing to the point of making it seem very simple to write a story like this, but at the same time capable of keeping you glued to the pages.
The story is well built and manages to being read within the series or as a single book.
We find ourselves in front of a crime where apparently seems to be a love motive, but as in any crime, nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide. Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke lead to the solution of the case with the help of the most disparate and different characters from each other, mixing the past with the present, because what we have lived will find the way to influence our future.
The plot has all the elements that a book of this kind can promise and must have, with the addition, however, of logical and unexpected twists, capable of throw off the reader almost completely.
A well written and successful book. I will certainly read other works by these authors.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t do it for me... but I’ve read that her earlier novels are a must to try so I will

[Ariannha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quizás un poco lenta en el inicio, pero toma ritmo y engancha. Buena intriga y suspenso. Nadie es lo que parece, o si?

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five reasons to curl up with the Cinderella Murder this holiday season

If you are a fan of unsolved murder mysteries and reality crime shows than Clark’s new series will delight you, as we interview those involved with the crime and piece together clues. Clark makes us privy to the behind the scenes workings of a reality drama show.
The case is fascinating. Susan Dempsey a talented UCLA student is found dead. Despite suspects, the police were never able to solve the crime. Now ten years later thanks to her mother’s persistence Laurie Moran and her show Under Suspicion re-interview those closest to her and the lead suspects.
Clark provides us with an interesting cast of characters. Laurie Moran and her young son know firsthand about unsolved crimes, and this makes Laurie very successful at her job. Laurie’s Dad, takes care of her young son. As a retired police officer, he aids the investigation. Laurie is intelligent, quick thinking and level headed. She loves her son and excels at her career. While not without flaws and luggage, she felt genuine. Alex Buckley is the host of Under Suspicion and a lawyer. Smooth and patient best describe Alex. I would like to see the man get a little excited. Friends and associates of the victim make for a curious case. Even Laurie’s young son makes an impact on the case at hand, notching up the suspense. Clark did an excellent job of fleshing out characters and we even see hints of romances. I loved how diverse the suspect list was from actors to scientists.
The Cinderella Murder was a fantastic audio listen. Alafair Burke did a wonderful job of creating unique voices for each character. Her pacing, breath and emotions allowed me to slip into the story.
Mary Higgins Clark is a seasoned author who knows how to let the story unfold, weaving in red herrings, clues and notching up the suspense. Nothing felt forced or rushed. The mystery was well crafted with an air of believability danger and action. I had a blast piecing things together and enjoyed the twists and turns.

Audio provided by publisher, full review on blog.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cinderella Murder is a fast-paced, enjoyable read. This should not come as a surprise as it is written by leading lady mystery authors Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. Laurie Moran is a television producer whose show Under Suspicion investigates cold case files in order to expose the killer. In this episode she is looking into the case of Susan Dempsey who disappeared 20 years ago while heading out to an acting audition. There are many viable suspects and quirky characters and just enough plot twists to keep you guessing. Although this is the first book in the series that I have read, I forsee more Under Suspicion titles in my future.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer)]

*Review to come*