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Alvirah & Willy #10
As Time Goes By
The #1 New York Times bestselling “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark crafts a thrilling mystery in which a news reporter develops an interest in her birth parents just as she is assigned to cover the high-profile trial of a woman accused of murdering her wealthy husband.
Television journalist Delaney Wright is on the brink of stardom when she begins covering a sensational murder trial. She should be thrilled with the story of her career, but her growing desire to locate her birth mother consumes her thoughts. When Delaney’s friends Alvirah Meehan and her husband Willy offer to look into the mystery surrounding her birth, they uncover a shocking secret they do not want to reveal.
On trial for murder is Betsy Grant, widow of a wealthy doctor who has suffered from Alzheimer’s for eight years. When her once-upon-a-time celebrity lawyer urges her to accept a plea bargain, Betsy she will go to trial to prove her innocence.
Betsy’s stepson, Alan Grant, bides his time nervously as the trial begins. His substantial inheritance hangs in the balance—his only means of making good on payments he owes his ex-wife, his children, and increasingly angry creditors.
As the trial unfolds and the damning evidence against Betsy piles up, Delaney is convinced that Betsy is not guilty and frantically tries to prove her innocence. A true classic from Mary Higgins Clark, As Time Goes By is a thrilling read by “the mistress of high tension” ( The New Yorker ).
Television journalist Delaney Wright is on the brink of stardom when she begins covering a sensational murder trial. She should be thrilled with the story of her career, but her growing desire to locate her birth mother consumes her thoughts. When Delaney’s friends Alvirah Meehan and her husband Willy offer to look into the mystery surrounding her birth, they uncover a shocking secret they do not want to reveal.
On trial for murder is Betsy Grant, widow of a wealthy doctor who has suffered from Alzheimer’s for eight years. When her once-upon-a-time celebrity lawyer urges her to accept a plea bargain, Betsy she will go to trial to prove her innocence.
Betsy’s stepson, Alan Grant, bides his time nervously as the trial begins. His substantial inheritance hangs in the balance—his only means of making good on payments he owes his ex-wife, his children, and increasingly angry creditors.
As the trial unfolds and the damning evidence against Betsy piles up, Delaney is convinced that Betsy is not guilty and frantically tries to prove her innocence. A true classic from Mary Higgins Clark, As Time Goes By is a thrilling read by “the mistress of high tension” ( The New Yorker ).
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
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5462 people want to read
About the author
Mary Higgins Clark
630 books13.5k followersThe #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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,322 reviews
September 28, 2022
Where is the woman who wrote classics such as Where are the Children? and You Belong to Me? This book lacks any suspense at all and is about as dull as watching paint dry. I wonder if the creation of the absolutely useless Alvirah and Willy have sapped all of MHC's creative juices, leaving her with nothing interesting to write about.
Betsy Grant, widow of Doctor Ted Grant, is on trial for her husband's murder. At stake are fifteen million dollars, which would be shared equally between Betsy and Alan Grant, Ted's son. If Betsy is found guilty, then Alan would get the entire inheritance. Delaney Wright, a news reporter struggling with her non-issues, covered the Grant trial, but she is somehow convinced that Betsy is innocent. There is no reason whatsoever for Delaney to so firmly believe in Betsy but she does, because convenient schmaltzy plot!
Delaney also keeps weeping about her unknown mother, even though she had been adopted into a loving and supportive family. Enter Alvirah, who I believe the author thinks is the best thing since sliced bread. In my opinion, she is just mouldy and stale bread. Alvirah, with her stupid sunburst pin, and her apparently endless money, goes and distributes bounty like she was some queen of yore, in order to find Delaney's birth mother. It is quite obvious who this birth mother is, and then schmaltzy ending! And let me just mention here that Alvirah is the most annoying character ever created in detective fiction.
Did Betsy do it? Well, obviously not since Delaney believes in her *eyeroll*, but what other suspects are there? There is the son, and there are a couple of doctors with whom Ted Grant used to practice. The solution, when it comes out, is not just obvious, but also pretty convoluted and unbelievable. I can see no reason for Mr/Ms Murderer1 to team up with Mr/Ms Murderer2.
As if things weren't bad enough, there were two other plots that were completely unnecessary to the main story. One was a petty thief who went around stealing things and saw the murderer pulling out in a car. But since his story never stood up in court, it was useless and could have just been skipped. Another was a drug story angle, which was simply pointless.
The story is told through courtroom scenes and interrogations, and I was heartily bored with them. There simply wasn't enough character building, action or suspense to hold my interest.
Betsy Grant, widow of Doctor Ted Grant, is on trial for her husband's murder. At stake are fifteen million dollars, which would be shared equally between Betsy and Alan Grant, Ted's son. If Betsy is found guilty, then Alan would get the entire inheritance. Delaney Wright, a news reporter struggling with her non-issues, covered the Grant trial, but she is somehow convinced that Betsy is innocent. There is no reason whatsoever for Delaney to so firmly believe in Betsy but she does, because convenient schmaltzy plot!
Delaney also keeps weeping about her unknown mother, even though she had been adopted into a loving and supportive family. Enter Alvirah, who I believe the author thinks is the best thing since sliced bread. In my opinion, she is just mouldy and stale bread. Alvirah, with her stupid sunburst pin, and her apparently endless money, goes and distributes bounty like she was some queen of yore, in order to find Delaney's birth mother. It is quite obvious who this birth mother is, and then schmaltzy ending! And let me just mention here that Alvirah is the most annoying character ever created in detective fiction.
Did Betsy do it? Well, obviously not since Delaney believes in her *eyeroll*, but what other suspects are there? There is the son, and there are a couple of doctors with whom Ted Grant used to practice. The solution, when it comes out, is not just obvious, but also pretty convoluted and unbelievable. I can see no reason for Mr/Ms Murderer1 to team up with Mr/Ms Murderer2.
As if things weren't bad enough, there were two other plots that were completely unnecessary to the main story. One was a petty thief who went around stealing things and saw the murderer pulling out in a car. But since his story never stood up in court, it was useless and could have just been skipped. Another was a drug story angle, which was simply pointless.
The story is told through courtroom scenes and interrogations, and I was heartily bored with them. There simply wasn't enough character building, action or suspense to hold my interest.
August 28, 2017
I have only read a few of this author's books so far but I think this may be lighter than her usual fare because it was virtually suspense free and she is described as the "queen of suspense." It was however an interesting mystery with happy endings for all concerned (well except the bad guys of course) and no need for stress at any point. Maybe a little too much time spent in the court room, but that is just personal preference. I know many people love a good court room drama, just not me!
The plot was good, the characters interesting and the dialogue okay if a bit stilted from time to time. A pleasant enough read and I will read more of her books in due course.
The plot was good, the characters interesting and the dialogue okay if a bit stilted from time to time. A pleasant enough read and I will read more of her books in due course.
May 2, 2016
As Time Goes By- by Mary Higgins Clark is a 2016 Simon & Schuster publication.
Mary Higgins Clark - Wow! What can you say? She is eighty-eight years old and still writing quality stories.
I will admit,though, the Alvirah and Willy series is hit or miss with me, and I don’t actively seek them out. I didn’t realize this book was a part of that series when I checked it out, but I’m glad I did.
Besty’s beloved husband, Ted, has been murdered and she is facing prosecution for the crime. Her chances aren’t good and only a miracle will prevent her from being convicted.
Television journalist, Delaney Wright, gets the chance of a lifetime when she is assigned to cover the trial. Although her star is rising, Delaney is still troubled about finding her birth parents. Alvirah feels compelled to do a little snooping on Delaney’s behalf and makes a startling discovering along the way.
This story is one of the better installments in this series. I liked the courtroom scenes, which we rarely encounter anymore, and the mystery is solid enough that I never guessed whodunit.
Alvirah and Willy are not featured prominently in this one, as Alvirah mainly sticks to the adoption angle of the story, but want she helps to uncover is a big part of the story.
While all of MHC novels are devoid of explicit sex, graphic violence, and harsh language, this series really does belong in the cozy category, I think. This is super light reading, and not at all complex. The suspense that is a MHC trademark is notably toned down in this series, which is why I haven’t always been overly enthusiastic about it.
This story has a few threads going on at once, but everything comes together in a short time frame, quite nicely, although there are some details that are glossed over a little too quickly. Still, I thought this was a pretty solid addition to the series and after reading some heavier material recently, it provided me with a much needed break and was entertaining as well.
It is amazing to see that this author is still putting out a material and should be an inspiration to us all. I hope to see many more books by MHC in the future.
Mary Higgins Clark - Wow! What can you say? She is eighty-eight years old and still writing quality stories.
I will admit,though, the Alvirah and Willy series is hit or miss with me, and I don’t actively seek them out. I didn’t realize this book was a part of that series when I checked it out, but I’m glad I did.
Besty’s beloved husband, Ted, has been murdered and she is facing prosecution for the crime. Her chances aren’t good and only a miracle will prevent her from being convicted.
Television journalist, Delaney Wright, gets the chance of a lifetime when she is assigned to cover the trial. Although her star is rising, Delaney is still troubled about finding her birth parents. Alvirah feels compelled to do a little snooping on Delaney’s behalf and makes a startling discovering along the way.
This story is one of the better installments in this series. I liked the courtroom scenes, which we rarely encounter anymore, and the mystery is solid enough that I never guessed whodunit.
Alvirah and Willy are not featured prominently in this one, as Alvirah mainly sticks to the adoption angle of the story, but want she helps to uncover is a big part of the story.
While all of MHC novels are devoid of explicit sex, graphic violence, and harsh language, this series really does belong in the cozy category, I think. This is super light reading, and not at all complex. The suspense that is a MHC trademark is notably toned down in this series, which is why I haven’t always been overly enthusiastic about it.
This story has a few threads going on at once, but everything comes together in a short time frame, quite nicely, although there are some details that are glossed over a little too quickly. Still, I thought this was a pretty solid addition to the series and after reading some heavier material recently, it provided me with a much needed break and was entertaining as well.
It is amazing to see that this author is still putting out a material and should be an inspiration to us all. I hope to see many more books by MHC in the future.
February 16, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Interesting twists and turns that make it so intriguing to listen to. Newscaster Delaney Wright is reporting on the trial of Betsy Grant, a wealthy woman accused of murdering her Alzheimer’s-afflicted husband, Ted. Although there are several others who seem more likely to have done the deed, the courtroom testimony does not seem to bear out Betsy’s claim of innocence and a conviction seems likely.
As the trial plays out in the courtroom and on the nightly news, Delaney finds herself convinced that Betsy is innocent, but each day the testimony in the courtroom seems to add more credence to the prosecutor’s claim that Betsy is guilty of her husband’s murder. As Time Goes By both in a book and in a comedic TV program have won my heart several times over.
Tapped to assume the anchor spot on the network news, Delaney is quickly rising in her chosen profession and should be happy. But, haunted by a need to know the circumstances of her birth and adoption, Delaney feels an urgency to find her birth mother and is determined to know the truth, no matter what the cost. Highly recommend.
As the trial plays out in the courtroom and on the nightly news, Delaney finds herself convinced that Betsy is innocent, but each day the testimony in the courtroom seems to add more credence to the prosecutor’s claim that Betsy is guilty of her husband’s murder. As Time Goes By both in a book and in a comedic TV program have won my heart several times over.
Tapped to assume the anchor spot on the network news, Delaney is quickly rising in her chosen profession and should be happy. But, haunted by a need to know the circumstances of her birth and adoption, Delaney feels an urgency to find her birth mother and is determined to know the truth, no matter what the cost. Highly recommend.
April 13, 2017
Mary Higgins Clark has been a favorite of mine since I was about 11. While they have become somewhat predictable, they are a quick, light read that is always enjoyable. I don't think this one is as good as some of her earlier books...but then again, I'm sure my age factors in somewhat. :)
April 11, 2016
Mary Higgins Clark is one of my favorite authors. I treasure her suspense novels and keep a complete set on hand to reread on occasion. The older ones are my favorites, but I enjoy all of them. There is just a certain class and storytelling to her books that is like sliding on a cozy, favored sweater and wrapping cold fingers around a mug of steaming tea. Extra points when the weather is foul or spooky-windy and so was the case with my first reading of this book.
"As Time Goes By" is classic Mary Higgins Clark. The characters are likable, the plot is suspenseful, the scenery descriptions enjoyable, and the overall tone is a win for me. Although parts of the plot were predictable and there wasn't really a cliffhanger to speak of, it felt like a mini vacation to the Manhattan/New Jersey area of most of MHC's works, visiting people I feel I would like in real life. Or, in the case of the villains, despise in real life.
I'm very thankful for the shelf filled with MHC novels, because the wait until the next new novel being a year away would be very hard to endure without them.
;) Julie
"As Time Goes By" is classic Mary Higgins Clark. The characters are likable, the plot is suspenseful, the scenery descriptions enjoyable, and the overall tone is a win for me. Although parts of the plot were predictable and there wasn't really a cliffhanger to speak of, it felt like a mini vacation to the Manhattan/New Jersey area of most of MHC's works, visiting people I feel I would like in real life. Or, in the case of the villains, despise in real life.
I'm very thankful for the shelf filled with MHC novels, because the wait until the next new novel being a year away would be very hard to endure without them.
;) Julie
October 15, 2016
For the most part, Mary Higgins Clark has a formula: The heroine is always white, wealthy (or about to inherit a million-dollar fortune should the crime is solved), living in New York (or a neighboring city), she and her acquaintances love to drink coffee, and she's beautiful even if so is not explicitly stated. Maybe it’s because I know this formula too well that I could foresee literally within minutes who was who and who did what, thus I did not enjoy this novel as much as her previous ones.
Some plot points reminded me of a few of her books, it feels as though I’ve read this novel before, everything was terribly familiar. The Queen of Suspense is obviously a formidable writer, but this was not one of her finest works.
Some plot points reminded me of a few of her books, it feels as though I’ve read this novel before, everything was terribly familiar. The Queen of Suspense is obviously a formidable writer, but this was not one of her finest works.
March 2, 2017
MHC -- consistent and easy to read...smoothly entertaining :-)
April 25, 2016
As Time Goes By has got to be one of the most obvious books ever written. There was nothing that couldn't be figured out by the middle of the book, and that's being generous. It was so obvious who Delaney's biological mother was. I kept trying to make myself believe it was someone else just so I wouldn't have figured out a major detail within the first few chapters, which were about two pages long in some cases.
The only reason I questioned my suspicion was because I thought Delaney was at least 30 and too old, she wouldn't have been able to be older than 26. I certainly could have overlooked it, but I don't recall her actual age being mentioned until close to the end. If that was the case, it seems they were intentionally bypassing that detail because all you would have to do is subtract 26 from 43 and know who the mother was.
I can't stand a book with mystery overtones and nothing is even close to being mysterious. I didn't give two squats about any of the characters, and the story focused on far too many. Another MHC book I struggled to read had the same problem of extremely short chapters and too many players.
The courtroom scenes were very basic but painful. Some of those chapters seemed to drag on for eternity. I don't think I'll try another MHC book.
The only reason I questioned my suspicion was because I thought Delaney was at least 30 and too old, she wouldn't have been able to be older than 26. I certainly could have overlooked it, but I don't recall her actual age being mentioned until close to the end. If that was the case, it seems they were intentionally bypassing that detail because all you would have to do is subtract 26 from 43 and know who the mother was.
I can't stand a book with mystery overtones and nothing is even close to being mysterious. I didn't give two squats about any of the characters, and the story focused on far too many. Another MHC book I struggled to read had the same problem of extremely short chapters and too many players.
The courtroom scenes were very basic but painful. Some of those chapters seemed to drag on for eternity. I don't think I'll try another MHC book.
April 20, 2016
I have always enjoyed MHC novels but this one was dull and lacking in some ways. It was definitely NOT a page turner. I kept dozing off .
The storyline was predictable - I had it figured out long before the end. The characters didn’t sound very enthusiastic and all used very flat and dull language. This was especially true in the court scenes. At times I thought “people don’t really speak like this, do they??”
Also, there was repetition which seemed like filler. I didn’t care how Betsy wore her hair, clothes and jewellery each day at the trial. It wasn’t relevant, just boring.
Although it was a decently written book, there was lack of excitement and suspense usually found in a mystery novel. I should have waited to read this book from the library.
The storyline was predictable - I had it figured out long before the end. The characters didn’t sound very enthusiastic and all used very flat and dull language. This was especially true in the court scenes. At times I thought “people don’t really speak like this, do they??”
Also, there was repetition which seemed like filler. I didn’t care how Betsy wore her hair, clothes and jewellery each day at the trial. It wasn’t relevant, just boring.
Although it was a decently written book, there was lack of excitement and suspense usually found in a mystery novel. I should have waited to read this book from the library.
December 3, 2020
Another great book by Mary Higgins Clark. I love the characters and the plot.
Read
March 24, 2025Time is fleeting, Time is infinite.
Time is cruel, Time is kind. Time waits for no one, and yet Time pauses for everyone in moments of awe.
Time bends, Time breaks, Time heals, Time scars.
Time creates, Time destroys.
Time remembers, Time forgets. Time slips, Time lingers . Time questions, Time answers, Time is silent, Time is loud. Time is life, Time is death.
And yet, Time is Time, because Time is everything.
Times goes by, Times goes along,
I will know maybe one day - what is good and what is wrong.
Time is cruel, Time is kind. Time waits for no one, and yet Time pauses for everyone in moments of awe.
Time bends, Time breaks, Time heals, Time scars.
Time creates, Time destroys.
Time remembers, Time forgets. Time slips, Time lingers . Time questions, Time answers, Time is silent, Time is loud. Time is life, Time is death.
And yet, Time is Time, because Time is everything.
Times goes by, Times goes along,
I will know maybe one day - what is good and what is wrong.
March 27, 2019
3.5*
This one was predictable but was still an enjoyable, short read. The characters in this one were really entertaining to read about. The plots had a good flow and kept me interested.
My quick and simple overall: good book to spend the evening with.
This one was predictable but was still an enjoyable, short read. The characters in this one were really entertaining to read about. The plots had a good flow and kept me interested.
My quick and simple overall: good book to spend the evening with.
May 25, 2016
This was a typical Mary Higgins Clark Novel. It was a pretty quick and easy read. The plot was interesting, but very predictable. Still, I enjoyed reading it.
February 1, 2019
This book was “available now” on Overdrive. That’s the best thing I can say about it.
June 15, 2017
3.5 stars
Inkvotary
No doubt, a nice to read crime novel with some wonderful scenes. But the author knows it better. A lot better. And the key scene, in which the real bad person was unveiled, was a bit too much of everything. I liked the main figure, though. And Betsy Grant was a wonderful figure, too. So if you are a huge Mary Higgins Clark fan, you might get a bit disappointed. But if you don't expect much and like a nice and solid crime novel, I guess you will like it. I kind of enjoyed it, yes, but as I said, the author can do way better.
Inkvotary
No doubt, a nice to read crime novel with some wonderful scenes. But the author knows it better. A lot better. And the key scene, in which the real bad person was unveiled, was a bit too much of everything. I liked the main figure, though. And Betsy Grant was a wonderful figure, too. So if you are a huge Mary Higgins Clark fan, you might get a bit disappointed. But if you don't expect much and like a nice and solid crime novel, I guess you will like it. I kind of enjoyed it, yes, but as I said, the author can do way better.
May 13, 2016
3.5 stars
This writing here is not like the MHC Suspense Queen of the '80s, but a nice relaxing mystery. Good, if just a bit repetitive. I liked the characters and the side story of adoption. The recurring characters of Alvirah & Willy appear here, but are not overbearing. Easy & Fast reading.
Recommended for MHC fans and those who enjoy lighter mysteries.
This writing here is not like the MHC Suspense Queen of the '80s, but a nice relaxing mystery. Good, if just a bit repetitive. I liked the characters and the side story of adoption. The recurring characters of Alvirah & Willy appear here, but are not overbearing. Easy & Fast reading.
Recommended for MHC fans and those who enjoy lighter mysteries.
May 8, 2016
Another exceptional book by the Queen of Suspense!
January 10, 2018
2.5 *
Un MHC, ça passe toujours bien lorsqu'on a le moral en bas comme moi en ce moment. Toutefois, celui-ci n'est de loin pas son meilleur puisque l'affaire est entendue depuis le début. Dommage.
Un MHC, ça passe toujours bien lorsqu'on a le moral en bas comme moi en ce moment. Toutefois, celui-ci n'est de loin pas son meilleur puisque l'affaire est entendue depuis le début. Dommage.
April 24, 2016
I've never read anything by Mary Higgins Clark, but I need to believe that her earlier works are great. This book, however, is the worst place to start. I realise it is already #10 in the "Alvirah and Willy" series, and that it is always difficult to introduce the characters to new readers without boring those who've read previous instalments, but the following is not the way to do it:
He had given her a sunburst pin with a microphone in it to record her conversations. The editor said that would help her when she was writing the article. Instead it had helped her to learn the identity of a killer who was at the spa. Since then Alvirah, with the help of her microphone, had solved a number of crimes.
Pin with a microphone? Had solved crimes? Seriously? :(
It went downhill from there. English is not my first language, so I might be missing something, like the logical sequence of the following statement from one of the characters:
“I remember reading years ago about Bob Considine, the newsman, who wrote, ‘I have four children. Two are adopted. I forget which two.’ My parents joked that I look so different because I’m the image of my father’s grandmother. She was born in Italy.”
Can you explain to me how the quote about forgetting which children were adopted leads to adopted child looking different?
And so on. Flat story with no intrigue at all, and no suspense. Resolution is blunt, to say the least, and writing makes the plot feel simplistic, almost banal. I cannot stop thinking what the ratings would have been if the author was anyone else, not MHC.
He had given her a sunburst pin with a microphone in it to record her conversations. The editor said that would help her when she was writing the article. Instead it had helped her to learn the identity of a killer who was at the spa. Since then Alvirah, with the help of her microphone, had solved a number of crimes.
Pin with a microphone? Had solved crimes? Seriously? :(
It went downhill from there. English is not my first language, so I might be missing something, like the logical sequence of the following statement from one of the characters:
“I remember reading years ago about Bob Considine, the newsman, who wrote, ‘I have four children. Two are adopted. I forget which two.’ My parents joked that I look so different because I’m the image of my father’s grandmother. She was born in Italy.”
Can you explain to me how the quote about forgetting which children were adopted leads to adopted child looking different?
And so on. Flat story with no intrigue at all, and no suspense. Resolution is blunt, to say the least, and writing makes the plot feel simplistic, almost banal. I cannot stop thinking what the ratings would have been if the author was anyone else, not MHC.
April 13, 2016
I initially gave this a five star rating as soon as I finished the book. liked reading this story. It was short and entertaining. However, It did not contain the kind of suspense and mystery I am used to in a Mary Higgins Clark novel. The two main characters are Delaney, a reporter who is covering a murder trial and also has a desperate need to find her birth mother. Betsy Grant is accused of murdering her husband, Ted Grant. Ted was suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease. I liked Clark's presentation of the disease, showing that a patient could easily become violent because of his confusion. There are two other suspects and I was not surprised by the outcome of the case. Alvirah and her husband Willy, whom Clark introduced in earlier novels, are determined to help Delaney find her birth mother. It was a good book. Just not as good as some of the other novels written by "the Queen of Suspense". There wasn't enough suspense and mystery for me.
September 5, 2016
Mary Higgins Clark is not called the Queen of Suspense for nothing. Forty one years ago she wrote 'Where Are The Children?' and I read it while a senior in high school. I haven't miss a book of hers since. I own all her mysteries. I just have to get her latest on release day! I can't miss a Mary Higgins Clark book!
The thing I love about her books most, well, two things: she never uses profanity or vulgarity. That's proof you can tell a good story without those two elements. She consistently is a New York Times Bestseller author with over a hundred million books in print the the USA alone.
The other thing I love about her books is that she is always adding layers to her mysteries and more characters, so that it's almost impossible to get a clue who the culprit is. The woman is 88 years old and still going strong, still has her touch. Love her!
The thing I love about her books most, well, two things: she never uses profanity or vulgarity. That's proof you can tell a good story without those two elements. She consistently is a New York Times Bestseller author with over a hundred million books in print the the USA alone.
The other thing I love about her books is that she is always adding layers to her mysteries and more characters, so that it's almost impossible to get a clue who the culprit is. The woman is 88 years old and still going strong, still has her touch. Love her!
April 26, 2019
Mary Higgins Clark was the first suspense writer I read, I mean her and I go back to the 7th grade. But her new stuff just doesn't compare. Instead of you trying to figure it out, you know and you are waiting for all the characters to figure it out. There doesn't have to be crazy intense characters or evil twisted deeds to make a suspense novel good, but it needed something else.
February 28, 2023
At first, this novel was a little lackluster for me, but about midway, it began to arouse my attention and kept me engaged.
On trial for murder is Betsy Grant, the widow of a wealthy doctor, Dr. Edward Grant, who has suffered from Alzheimer's for eight years. She is accused of allegedly murdering him. When her once-upon-a-time celebrity lawyer urges her to accept a plea bargain, Betsy refuses and opts to go to trial to prove her innocence. As the trial unfolds and the damning evidence piles up against Betsy, she looks vulnerable in court. It doesn't look good when evidence reveals that Betsy was having an affair.
Betsy's stepson, Alan Grant, bides his time nervously as the trial begins. His substantial inheritance hangs in the balance, which ends up being his only means of making good on payments he owes his ex-wife, his children, and increasingly angry creditors.
Television journalist Delaney Wright begins covering the trial. She is convinced that Betsy is not guilty of the charges and tries to prove her innocence. But Delaney is distracted. She has become obsessed with finding who her birth mother is. Her friends Alvirah Meehan and her husband Willy offer to look into the mystery surrounding her birth.
Just as closing arguments are commencing at the trial, something explosive happens in favor of the defense. Tony Sharkey was a burglar arrested for breaking into a house but spilled the beans on what happened on the night of Dr. Grant's murder. Two people were implicated, and charges against Betsy were dropped. I will leave out who it was to avoid a spoiler alert.
Many years ago, a 17-year-old teen got pregnant on the night of her prom. The 18-year-old father never knew about the pregnancy. A midwife named Cora Banks delivered a child. Delaney's friend Alvirah kept uncovering something fishy about this midwife who was ultimately selling the babies she delivered. She was jailed and released. Alvirah suspected that Cora Banks knew who Delaney's mother was. Alvirah also discovered that Cora kept files on the babies and their parents. Elvira had to pay Cora off for her files, and when she discovers who Delaney's parents are, it is quite the bombshell.
On trial for murder is Betsy Grant, the widow of a wealthy doctor, Dr. Edward Grant, who has suffered from Alzheimer's for eight years. She is accused of allegedly murdering him. When her once-upon-a-time celebrity lawyer urges her to accept a plea bargain, Betsy refuses and opts to go to trial to prove her innocence. As the trial unfolds and the damning evidence piles up against Betsy, she looks vulnerable in court. It doesn't look good when evidence reveals that Betsy was having an affair.
Betsy's stepson, Alan Grant, bides his time nervously as the trial begins. His substantial inheritance hangs in the balance, which ends up being his only means of making good on payments he owes his ex-wife, his children, and increasingly angry creditors.
Television journalist Delaney Wright begins covering the trial. She is convinced that Betsy is not guilty of the charges and tries to prove her innocence. But Delaney is distracted. She has become obsessed with finding who her birth mother is. Her friends Alvirah Meehan and her husband Willy offer to look into the mystery surrounding her birth.
Just as closing arguments are commencing at the trial, something explosive happens in favor of the defense. Tony Sharkey was a burglar arrested for breaking into a house but spilled the beans on what happened on the night of Dr. Grant's murder. Two people were implicated, and charges against Betsy were dropped. I will leave out who it was to avoid a spoiler alert.
Many years ago, a 17-year-old teen got pregnant on the night of her prom. The 18-year-old father never knew about the pregnancy. A midwife named Cora Banks delivered a child. Delaney's friend Alvirah kept uncovering something fishy about this midwife who was ultimately selling the babies she delivered. She was jailed and released. Alvirah suspected that Cora Banks knew who Delaney's mother was. Alvirah also discovered that Cora kept files on the babies and their parents. Elvira had to pay Cora off for her files, and when she discovers who Delaney's parents are, it is quite the bombshell.
May 27, 2016
Enjoyed the usual character buffet that you find in a Mary Higgins Clark book and you see them connecting in unexpected ways by the end of the book. It was lacking in true danger and not quite as suspenseful as some of her past books. Still an entertaining read, especially for those headed to the beach or on vacation. I remain a fan!
September 4, 2016
A little too predictable for me
April 18, 2018
Oh dear. This was every damsel-in-distress cliche rolled into one and combined with about 85 ridiculous coincidences. It was painful to read.
November 4, 2018
Pues, esta vez, no.
Vuelvo a mi opinión primigenia acerca de las novelas de Mary Higgins Clark, a pesar de mi reciente valoración más favorable de "Asesinato en Directo": a esta señora le va un poquito demasiado el folletín, y sus tramas son artificiales por demasiado redondas, por más que intente vestir a la mona con la seda del drama judicial.
Lo dejo en las dos estrellas, bien justitas, porque la historia se deja leer y, a grandes rasgos, entretiene; pero no pasa de ahí por ese exceso de drama y el abuso del siempre socorrido recurso de la casualidad y la coincidencia. Por no mencionar la falta de profundidad de los personajes e historias personales, y lo casi absurdo del personaje de la propia Alvirah, que supuestamente protagoniza su décima novela, pero que en realidad tiene una presencia casi incidental, por más que relevante.
En resumen: novela supuestamente negra con poco trasfondo y trascendencia.
Vuelvo a mi opinión primigenia acerca de las novelas de Mary Higgins Clark, a pesar de mi reciente valoración más favorable de "Asesinato en Directo": a esta señora le va un poquito demasiado el folletín, y sus tramas son artificiales por demasiado redondas, por más que intente vestir a la mona con la seda del drama judicial.
Lo dejo en las dos estrellas, bien justitas, porque la historia se deja leer y, a grandes rasgos, entretiene; pero no pasa de ahí por ese exceso de drama y el abuso del siempre socorrido recurso de la casualidad y la coincidencia. Por no mencionar la falta de profundidad de los personajes e historias personales, y lo casi absurdo del personaje de la propia Alvirah, que supuestamente protagoniza su décima novela, pero que en realidad tiene una presencia casi incidental, por más que relevante.
En resumen: novela supuestamente negra con poco trasfondo y trascendencia.
June 2, 2018
El libro cuenta con tres misterios:
1) El asesinato del Dr. Grant en su casa
2) Encontrar a los padres biológicos de una periodista
3) Descubrir quién está vendiendo recetas de medicamentos a adictos
El libro cuenta con 300 páginas, aproximadamente en la 150 ya sabía las respuestas a las tres interrogantes, aunque no hayan sido explícitamente respondidas. Lo que te lleva a imaginar que en las 150 páginas que restan la autora te meterá en un laberinto lleno de giros de la trama, donde lo que creías no era verdaderamente cierto y en realidad las respuestas eran otras, y sigues enganchado al libro esperando ver cómo se resolverá la trama, qué nuevos misterios se presentarán. Pero no.
Es el segundo libro de MHC que me decepciona. Creo que le daré una oportunidad a alguno de sus primeros libros, y si tampoco me sorprende dejaré definitivamente de leer sus novelas.
1) El asesinato del Dr. Grant en su casa
2) Encontrar a los padres biológicos de una periodista
3) Descubrir quién está vendiendo recetas de medicamentos a adictos
El libro cuenta con 300 páginas, aproximadamente en la 150 ya sabía las respuestas a las tres interrogantes, aunque no hayan sido explícitamente respondidas. Lo que te lleva a imaginar que en las 150 páginas que restan la autora te meterá en un laberinto lleno de giros de la trama, donde lo que creías no era verdaderamente cierto y en realidad las respuestas eran otras, y sigues enganchado al libro esperando ver cómo se resolverá la trama, qué nuevos misterios se presentarán. Pero no.
Es el segundo libro de MHC que me decepciona. Creo que le daré una oportunidad a alguno de sus primeros libros, y si tampoco me sorprende dejaré definitivamente de leer sus novelas.
July 2, 2018
Este foi dos livros mais entusiasmantes que já li de Mary Higgins Clark nos últimos anos. Talvez porque teve uma parte que achei mais emocional, sobre Delaney e a procura pela sua mãe biológica.
Asustou-me que Betsy tivesse sido tão facilmente acusada de assassinar o marido. Nesse aspeto achei que a investigação foi descuidada mas que sei eu de procedimentos policiais/judiciais? LOL
Asustou-me que Betsy tivesse sido tão facilmente acusada de assassinar o marido. Nesse aspeto achei que a investigação foi descuidada mas que sei eu de procedimentos policiais/judiciais? LOL
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