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Under Suspicion #4
Miegančioji gražuolė
Jauna ir graži meno kūrinių žinovė Katerina Karter buvo pripažinta kalta netyčia nužudžiusi savo sužadėtinį, garsų filantropą Hanterį Rolį III ir 15 metų praleido kalėjime. Nors visada tvirtino esanti nekalta, visuomenės nuomonė buvo negailestinga. Net atlikusi bausmę ir išėjusi į laisvę, Katerina neranda ramybės. Ją nuolat lydi smerkiantis aplinkinių dėmesys, o bulvarinės žiniasklaidos puslapiuose ji linksniuojama kaip „Pakvaišėlė Keisė" arba „Žudikė Miegančioji Gražuolė". Norėdama kartą ir visiems laikams įrodyti, kad nėra žudikė, Keisė kreipiasi į televizijos laidos „Įtariamieji" prodiuserę Laurą Moran ir įtikina ją dar kartą nagrinėti jos bylą.
Detektyvų karaliene tituluojama Mary Higgins Clark ir bestselerių autorė Alafair Burke pristato trečią įtempto siužeto knygų ciklo apie televizijos šou „Įtariamieji" dalį.
Detektyvų karaliene tituluojama Mary Higgins Clark ir bestselerių autorė Alafair Burke pristato trečią įtempto siužeto knygų ciklo apie televizijos šou „Įtariamieji" dalį.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2016
3184 people are currently reading
7868 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 1,263 reviews
July 10, 2023
A "Gossip Girl" feel with an amazing twist at the end!
November 16, 2016
Okay look I know I shouldn't be reading Mary Higgins Clark if I want my daily dose of fight the patriarchy and I am woman hear me roar. Really I know that.
But, c'mon ladies!? What gives!?
Clark and her co-author Alafair Burke have really been onto something with these books thus far. Laurie Moran and her "Under Suspicion" series that recreates famous cold cases (and always manages to solve them of course) is about as trope as you can get but (and I believe Ms. Burke is primarily responsible for this) the writing has been pretty sharp and devoid of Ms. Clark's penchant for overly descriptive run-on inner monologues and laundry lists of each piece of bric a brac in a characters posh apartment. Laurie's a pretty together chick. Raising her only son with the help of her retired police chief father and still coping with the horrific unsolved murder of her husband which her own show and smarts only recently closed the book on she kind of stands out among Clark heroines as being pretty able to handle herself.
This time around Laurie and her crew are mixing things up a bit by investigating a case that's already been solved. Fifteen years ago Casey Carter was convicted of manslaughter following the murder of her fiancee Hunter, the scion of a Kennedyesque family. Now she's being released from prison and is determined to clear her name and find Hunter's real killer.
Laurie is in unfamiliar territory already. Her show's host and her kinda boyfriend Alex has left and she's dealing with new host Ryan, who's a brash, pain in the ass, Harvard Law grad and seems to think this is HIS show. To top it off no one but Laurie is convinced there is even a case worth exploring. Her father resents the notion that police either made mistakes or planted evidence, Alex is subtly suggesting she drop it and even Casey's mom seems to think she's guilty. But Laurie is usually more than able to stand her ground and get to the truth.
Alas The Sleeping Beauty Killer opted to trade that Laurie in for a more meek and mild version of her previously savvy self who spends most of the novel apologizing to the various men in her life for 1.)not settling down and getting remarried again for gods sake. 2.)not blindly trusting a man who's being super cagey about information necessary to the case she's working on when all he'll tell her is "trust me." and my favorite 3.) having the audacity to not be over her beloved, brutally murdered husband who's murderer was only recently brought to justice because "its been six years Laurie."
I'm just going to go ahead and say I do not like the men in this series at all. I'm not by any means a screaming, man hating feminist, but I am a feminist and I am just about done with Laurie's father's repeated snarky "he loves you just marry him already" quips and his general attitude that she'll never be completely happy without a man in her life. It's worth noting that whether justified or not daddy dearest does feel responsible for the husband's murder so that obviously plays into it but seriously its all the guy talks about. He's also always subtly implying that Laurie should either give up her dream job or tone it down and be more womanly.
Then there's the prospective groom himself. As the story begins Alex has decided to absent himself from Laurie's show to pay more attention to his law practice. He's clearly lost his patience with Laurie's inability to, I don't know, I guess marry him since they seem to have a perfectly nice relationship that involves dating and kissing and spending time with her family. This after spending the previous three novels telling her over and over that he'll wait for her for as long as it takes. Apparently "as long as it takes" was code for "when I decide you should be over your brutally murdered, beloved husband." He honestly acts like a giant douche bag but apparently its all Laurie's fault. Its not even clear what it is he's tired of waiting for. They both have insanely busy lives, he's the one who left the show and now has the demands of a law practice to meet, and he's the one who has insider info on one of the suspects Laurie is pursuing but seems to think she should just take him at his word that the guy in question has nothing to do with the murder.
Has he watched her show?
For Alex (and anyone else unfamiliar with this series) a reminder. "Under Suspicion's" entire goddamn premise is to try to ferret out the guilty person(s). She has to consider EVERYONE. That's the point of the show. It might have helped a bit if Alex didn't spend the whole book acting as though she shouldn't trust him. Seriously he's cagey as hell. He doesn't reveal a personal connection to an entirely separate suspect, he's slowly cutting off contact with her, and when they do talk he's evasive and brusque. What the hell is she supposed to think? Then he masks all this behavior under the guise of "giving her time" when its clear he's playing mind games in an effort to force her to commit to him all the way, whatever the hell that means.
Newsflash dickwad you don't get to decide how long a woman gets to grieve for her husband.
I'm not spoiling anything when I tell you that the book actually ends with him talking to his "manservant" who's name, I kid you not, is Ramon for gods sake. The two of them are chuckling over the clever way Alex is handling Laurie. It's all a clever romantic ploy you see. By pretending to break it off with her he'll force Laurie to realize how much she really loves him. He even makes a clever retort about the jury still being out but he's sure they'll "decide in our favor."
Really dude?
Okay I'm done ranting.
To top it off the mystery is entirely predictable and utterly lame. There's virtually only one person it could be and the whole thing reads like a tawdry 1950's pulp novel complete with "if I couldn't have him no one would!" dialogue and lots of references to women knowing their place.
Pppppppppphhhhhhhhbbbbbtttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!
(that's me blowing a raspberry in Ms. Clark and Ms. Burke's general direction).
But, c'mon ladies!? What gives!?
Clark and her co-author Alafair Burke have really been onto something with these books thus far. Laurie Moran and her "Under Suspicion" series that recreates famous cold cases (and always manages to solve them of course) is about as trope as you can get but (and I believe Ms. Burke is primarily responsible for this) the writing has been pretty sharp and devoid of Ms. Clark's penchant for overly descriptive run-on inner monologues and laundry lists of each piece of bric a brac in a characters posh apartment. Laurie's a pretty together chick. Raising her only son with the help of her retired police chief father and still coping with the horrific unsolved murder of her husband which her own show and smarts only recently closed the book on she kind of stands out among Clark heroines as being pretty able to handle herself.
This time around Laurie and her crew are mixing things up a bit by investigating a case that's already been solved. Fifteen years ago Casey Carter was convicted of manslaughter following the murder of her fiancee Hunter, the scion of a Kennedyesque family. Now she's being released from prison and is determined to clear her name and find Hunter's real killer.
Laurie is in unfamiliar territory already. Her show's host and her kinda boyfriend Alex has left and she's dealing with new host Ryan, who's a brash, pain in the ass, Harvard Law grad and seems to think this is HIS show. To top it off no one but Laurie is convinced there is even a case worth exploring. Her father resents the notion that police either made mistakes or planted evidence, Alex is subtly suggesting she drop it and even Casey's mom seems to think she's guilty. But Laurie is usually more than able to stand her ground and get to the truth.
Alas The Sleeping Beauty Killer opted to trade that Laurie in for a more meek and mild version of her previously savvy self who spends most of the novel apologizing to the various men in her life for 1.)not settling down and getting remarried again for gods sake. 2.)not blindly trusting a man who's being super cagey about information necessary to the case she's working on when all he'll tell her is "trust me." and my favorite 3.) having the audacity to not be over her beloved, brutally murdered husband who's murderer was only recently brought to justice because "its been six years Laurie."
I'm just going to go ahead and say I do not like the men in this series at all. I'm not by any means a screaming, man hating feminist, but I am a feminist and I am just about done with Laurie's father's repeated snarky "he loves you just marry him already" quips and his general attitude that she'll never be completely happy without a man in her life. It's worth noting that whether justified or not daddy dearest does feel responsible for the husband's murder so that obviously plays into it but seriously its all the guy talks about. He's also always subtly implying that Laurie should either give up her dream job or tone it down and be more womanly.
Then there's the prospective groom himself. As the story begins Alex has decided to absent himself from Laurie's show to pay more attention to his law practice. He's clearly lost his patience with Laurie's inability to, I don't know, I guess marry him since they seem to have a perfectly nice relationship that involves dating and kissing and spending time with her family. This after spending the previous three novels telling her over and over that he'll wait for her for as long as it takes. Apparently "as long as it takes" was code for "when I decide you should be over your brutally murdered, beloved husband." He honestly acts like a giant douche bag but apparently its all Laurie's fault. Its not even clear what it is he's tired of waiting for. They both have insanely busy lives, he's the one who left the show and now has the demands of a law practice to meet, and he's the one who has insider info on one of the suspects Laurie is pursuing but seems to think she should just take him at his word that the guy in question has nothing to do with the murder.
Has he watched her show?
For Alex (and anyone else unfamiliar with this series) a reminder. "Under Suspicion's" entire goddamn premise is to try to ferret out the guilty person(s). She has to consider EVERYONE. That's the point of the show. It might have helped a bit if Alex didn't spend the whole book acting as though she shouldn't trust him. Seriously he's cagey as hell. He doesn't reveal a personal connection to an entirely separate suspect, he's slowly cutting off contact with her, and when they do talk he's evasive and brusque. What the hell is she supposed to think? Then he masks all this behavior under the guise of "giving her time" when its clear he's playing mind games in an effort to force her to commit to him all the way, whatever the hell that means.
Newsflash dickwad you don't get to decide how long a woman gets to grieve for her husband.
I'm not spoiling anything when I tell you that the book actually ends with him talking to his "manservant" who's name, I kid you not, is Ramon for gods sake. The two of them are chuckling over the clever way Alex is handling Laurie. It's all a clever romantic ploy you see. By pretending to break it off with her he'll force Laurie to realize how much she really loves him. He even makes a clever retort about the jury still being out but he's sure they'll "decide in our favor."
Really dude?
Okay I'm done ranting.
To top it off the mystery is entirely predictable and utterly lame. There's virtually only one person it could be and the whole thing reads like a tawdry 1950's pulp novel complete with "if I couldn't have him no one would!" dialogue and lots of references to women knowing their place.
Pppppppppphhhhhhhhbbbbbtttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!
(that's me blowing a raspberry in Ms. Clark and Ms. Burke's general direction).
December 14, 2016
The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke is a 2016 Simon & Schuster publication.
Another solid installment in the ‘Under Suspicion’ series!
This has quickly become one of my favorite mystery series. I’ve enjoyed the solo work of both these talented authors, so having them collaborate on a series together is definitely a winning combination.
In this fourth installment, Laurie agrees to take the case of Casey Carter, a woman who has spent the last fifteen years of her life in prison on a manslaughter charge for allegedly killing her fiancé.
But, Casey insists she is innocent and wants to clear her name.
While the show has never featured a case like this one, things are more complicated for Laurie, who misses her professional relationship with Alex, especially when her boss hires Ryan Nichols, an egotistical and pushy guy who is convinced Casey is guilty.
On a personal note, Alex has not only left Laurie on a professional level, he’s cooled their potential romance as well. Things get even stickier between the couple when Laurie begins to suspect Alex is trying to steer her away from this case, leading her to think he may be hiding something from her.
As usual this is a cold case, but it is unique because if Casey is guilty and new evidence comes to light that proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt, she can’t be convicted of murder because she has already served her time.
Not only that, it seems everyone believes deep down that Casey is guilty, even her friends and family.
This is an interesting set up and the tension between Laurie and Alex only adds to the suspense. The dynamic is a little different since Alex and Laurie are not working together on this case and Ryan is so overbearing, and unlikable.
The only thing that was slightly off kilter in this one, was Laurie’s behavior. Her personality was muted and she put up with Ryan's bluster far too long before setting him straight. Maybe she was just out of sorts because of the friction in her relationship with Alex, and her confidence took a hit, as a result. I do hope she snaps out of it though, and gets her groove back in the next installment.
I must confess I figured out fairly early on who the killer was, but I enjoyed seeing how Laurie and her crew put the pieces together. There were still plenty of surprises, twists, and stunning revelations, and I could not have imagined how things would eventually shake out, which was with a very tense showdown, and not just with the criminal case.
Overall, I think this episode of ‘Under Suspicion’ should receive very nice ratings.
4 stars
Another solid installment in the ‘Under Suspicion’ series!
This has quickly become one of my favorite mystery series. I’ve enjoyed the solo work of both these talented authors, so having them collaborate on a series together is definitely a winning combination.
In this fourth installment, Laurie agrees to take the case of Casey Carter, a woman who has spent the last fifteen years of her life in prison on a manslaughter charge for allegedly killing her fiancé.
But, Casey insists she is innocent and wants to clear her name.
While the show has never featured a case like this one, things are more complicated for Laurie, who misses her professional relationship with Alex, especially when her boss hires Ryan Nichols, an egotistical and pushy guy who is convinced Casey is guilty.
On a personal note, Alex has not only left Laurie on a professional level, he’s cooled their potential romance as well. Things get even stickier between the couple when Laurie begins to suspect Alex is trying to steer her away from this case, leading her to think he may be hiding something from her.
As usual this is a cold case, but it is unique because if Casey is guilty and new evidence comes to light that proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt, she can’t be convicted of murder because she has already served her time.
Not only that, it seems everyone believes deep down that Casey is guilty, even her friends and family.
This is an interesting set up and the tension between Laurie and Alex only adds to the suspense. The dynamic is a little different since Alex and Laurie are not working together on this case and Ryan is so overbearing, and unlikable.
The only thing that was slightly off kilter in this one, was Laurie’s behavior. Her personality was muted and she put up with Ryan's bluster far too long before setting him straight. Maybe she was just out of sorts because of the friction in her relationship with Alex, and her confidence took a hit, as a result. I do hope she snaps out of it though, and gets her groove back in the next installment.
I must confess I figured out fairly early on who the killer was, but I enjoyed seeing how Laurie and her crew put the pieces together. There were still plenty of surprises, twists, and stunning revelations, and I could not have imagined how things would eventually shake out, which was with a very tense showdown, and not just with the criminal case.
Overall, I think this episode of ‘Under Suspicion’ should receive very nice ratings.
4 stars
June 13, 2025
I just love this series. The characters are great and I love how this one brings pieces of a former case/ novel back.
February 22, 2023
"It's easy to be cruel when you can be anonymous."
°•*⁀➷
I honestly wasn't enjoying this one as much as I did the other three... until the end. This one took you on a true journey full of twists and turns, believing it's one person only to be hit with a curve ball when it is someone completely different. I ended up loving the case so much despite feeling like the plot was slow because I am a sucker for a great ending.
More than that, I loved the development of characters outside of Laurie. This series has felt a little flat as far as characterization and growth goes... until this book. Everyone was too nice, too understanding, too much a part of fiction... until this book. We finally start to see Alex stand up for himself in their relationship. I love that I understand both perspectives so entirely.
That Laurie has just now been able to move on despite her husband being killed five years ago. She's never had closure, never known how to truly move on, and I love that she wants to for Alex, but I also love that he's not pushing her to give more than she can. That she knows how much she needs him while also being aware she can't give him her all.
The give and take is over, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
I also loved the introduction of Ryan. He seemed very flat, obnoxious... and was clearly misunderstood because by the end I was entirely with him as a character. I really can't wait to see what comes about with him. I hope he ends up with his own show just like he wants.
- Paige
°•*⁀➷
I honestly wasn't enjoying this one as much as I did the other three... until the end. This one took you on a true journey full of twists and turns, believing it's one person only to be hit with a curve ball when it is someone completely different. I ended up loving the case so much despite feeling like the plot was slow because I am a sucker for a great ending.
More than that, I loved the development of characters outside of Laurie. This series has felt a little flat as far as characterization and growth goes... until this book. Everyone was too nice, too understanding, too much a part of fiction... until this book. We finally start to see Alex stand up for himself in their relationship. I love that I understand both perspectives so entirely.
That Laurie has just now been able to move on despite her husband being killed five years ago. She's never had closure, never known how to truly move on, and I love that she wants to for Alex, but I also love that he's not pushing her to give more than she can. That she knows how much she needs him while also being aware she can't give him her all.
The give and take is over, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
I also loved the introduction of Ryan. He seemed very flat, obnoxious... and was clearly misunderstood because by the end I was entirely with him as a character. I really can't wait to see what comes about with him. I hope he ends up with his own show just like he wants.
- Paige
February 14, 2017
4.5★s
After fifteen years inside for murdering her fiancé, Hunter Raleigh – and protesting her innocence the whole time - Casey Carter was determined to discover the real killer and clear her name. Approaching Laurie Moran, television producer of the famed Under Suspicion cold case shows was the first thing Casey did, much to the despair of her mother and cousin who had continued to stand by her. But Casey was innocent – and she would prove it!
Laurie was unsure – Casey had been convicted after all, and her show was all about cold cases. But even though everyone around her seemed convinced of Casey’s guilt, there was a measure of doubt in Laurie’s mind which decided her. She would find the truth – that’s what she was all about.
With Laurie’s boss pushing her to get the show to air; the new host Ryan Nichols causing friction between the team with his egotistical attitude; plus refusal by the Raleigh family to co-operate, it was no wonder Laurie wondered if she’d bitten off more than she could chew. On top of that was the tense relationship between herself and Alex, ex host to the show, and the one she’d started to think would be her life partner…
Was Casey guilty? Some people said she should have spent the rest of her life behind bars – would Under Suspicion confirm that belief?
The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke is another in the Under Suspicion series and I very much enjoyed it. The twists and turns were done well, with the pace fast and furious. I always enjoy the side stories of Laurie’s father Leo, and her son Timmy. But I was annoyed by the ending! A couple of paragraphs which were not at all necessary to the story IMO! But still - highly recommended.
After fifteen years inside for murdering her fiancé, Hunter Raleigh – and protesting her innocence the whole time - Casey Carter was determined to discover the real killer and clear her name. Approaching Laurie Moran, television producer of the famed Under Suspicion cold case shows was the first thing Casey did, much to the despair of her mother and cousin who had continued to stand by her. But Casey was innocent – and she would prove it!
Laurie was unsure – Casey had been convicted after all, and her show was all about cold cases. But even though everyone around her seemed convinced of Casey’s guilt, there was a measure of doubt in Laurie’s mind which decided her. She would find the truth – that’s what she was all about.
With Laurie’s boss pushing her to get the show to air; the new host Ryan Nichols causing friction between the team with his egotistical attitude; plus refusal by the Raleigh family to co-operate, it was no wonder Laurie wondered if she’d bitten off more than she could chew. On top of that was the tense relationship between herself and Alex, ex host to the show, and the one she’d started to think would be her life partner…
Was Casey guilty? Some people said she should have spent the rest of her life behind bars – would Under Suspicion confirm that belief?
The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke is another in the Under Suspicion series and I very much enjoyed it. The twists and turns were done well, with the pace fast and furious. I always enjoy the side stories of Laurie’s father Leo, and her son Timmy. But I was annoyed by the ending! A couple of paragraphs which were not at all necessary to the story IMO! But still - highly recommended.
August 30, 2019
Me ha gustado mucho como fue abordada la historia. El culpable? Esta vez si que no lo adiviné hasta el mismo momento en que lo devela la autora.
Muy entretenido.
Muy entretenido.
December 24, 2016
Since 1989 I have been a fan of Mary Higgins Clark and have bought every book since. She wrote the most amazing books. While my pretty one sleeps; Loves music, loves to dance; A cry in the night; Pretend you don't see her; All around the town; On the street where you live; Weep no more my lady! Just to name a few! And these books were riveting and full of substance. However, in the last decade, they have gone down drastically. Bigger type, less story, often first person, one page chapters, and worst, the epilogue. Yet I have kept buying and reading. Yesterday, after I finished reading The Sleeping Beauty Killer, I took the brand new book and threw it in the garbage!
Anyone with half a brain could tell from chapter two who the murderer would be and the reasons so predictable. There was not anything original about this story. Remember "We'll meet again"? Similar plot. Molly Lasch could not remember anything either. Oh sorry, she only spent six years in prison vs Casey's 15. Predictable! Predictable! Large type! Small chapters! Boring characters! Where are the Mary Higgins Clark books from 20 and 30 years ago?
Sadly, I choose not to buy another MHC book as I believed we have now reached the bottom of the hill.
Anyone with half a brain could tell from chapter two who the murderer would be and the reasons so predictable. There was not anything original about this story. Remember "We'll meet again"? Similar plot. Molly Lasch could not remember anything either. Oh sorry, she only spent six years in prison vs Casey's 15. Predictable! Predictable! Large type! Small chapters! Boring characters! Where are the Mary Higgins Clark books from 20 and 30 years ago?
Sadly, I choose not to buy another MHC book as I believed we have now reached the bottom of the hill.
February 20, 2017
Thriller? This reads more like a gossip snipe fest, with little interest in justice. 1 of 10 stars
February 26, 2017
This is the third book in the Under Suspicion trilogy, and it's a good one (as are the first two, both of which I read). The only thing that threw me for a loop is the ending - which was confusing and made me wonder what I missed. And alas, if this really is a trilogy, I guess I'm never going to find out.
As in the previous books, Lorie Moran is the producer of Under Suspicion, a reality TV show based in New York that showcases cold cases. This time, Casey Carter parks herself in Laurie's office after being released from prison, where she served 15 years. She was convicted of manslaughter in the death of her well-known philanthropist and well-connected fiance Hunter Raleigh III, and over all those years she's vehemently denied her guilt. Because Casey claims to have been in a drug-induced sleep in the living room while her fiance was shot upstairs in his bedroom, she's been dubbed the "Sleeping Beauty"killer."
But if Laurie will agree to do her story on the TV show, Casey believes, her innocence can be proved once and for all. Laurie is apprehensive, but Casey persists - even bringing in case files and naming five possible suspects who had motive and opportunity to kill Hunter. Learning that others, including Casey's mother, are apprehensive about putting the spotlight back on Casey, Laurie's doubts increase.
Besides that, she has another concern in that she's just lost her trusted and popular on-air host, lawyer Alex Buckley, who's also her boyfriend. Laurie's boss brings in Ryan Nichols, a former federal prosecutor whose know-it-all attitude rubs Laurie the wrong way right from the start. But finally, when Casey mentions a tidbit that wasn't in evidence nor mentioned at trial, Laurie decides Casey just may spent 15 years in jail for a crime she did not commit.
Of course, Casey and her capable crew gather information from the five suspects Casey mentioned as well as other family members, a few of whom reluctantly agree to be interviewed. As the facts begin to come together, though, Laurie starts to suspect Casey may not be as innocent as she claims.
Everything comes together at the end, of course (well, except for the part I mentioned at the beginning). Other than that, it's an intricately woven, intriguing story that won't give you nightmares and makes me sorry to see the series come to an end.
As in the previous books, Lorie Moran is the producer of Under Suspicion, a reality TV show based in New York that showcases cold cases. This time, Casey Carter parks herself in Laurie's office after being released from prison, where she served 15 years. She was convicted of manslaughter in the death of her well-known philanthropist and well-connected fiance Hunter Raleigh III, and over all those years she's vehemently denied her guilt. Because Casey claims to have been in a drug-induced sleep in the living room while her fiance was shot upstairs in his bedroom, she's been dubbed the "Sleeping Beauty"killer."
But if Laurie will agree to do her story on the TV show, Casey believes, her innocence can be proved once and for all. Laurie is apprehensive, but Casey persists - even bringing in case files and naming five possible suspects who had motive and opportunity to kill Hunter. Learning that others, including Casey's mother, are apprehensive about putting the spotlight back on Casey, Laurie's doubts increase.
Besides that, she has another concern in that she's just lost her trusted and popular on-air host, lawyer Alex Buckley, who's also her boyfriend. Laurie's boss brings in Ryan Nichols, a former federal prosecutor whose know-it-all attitude rubs Laurie the wrong way right from the start. But finally, when Casey mentions a tidbit that wasn't in evidence nor mentioned at trial, Laurie decides Casey just may spent 15 years in jail for a crime she did not commit.
Of course, Casey and her capable crew gather information from the five suspects Casey mentioned as well as other family members, a few of whom reluctantly agree to be interviewed. As the facts begin to come together, though, Laurie starts to suspect Casey may not be as innocent as she claims.
Everything comes together at the end, of course (well, except for the part I mentioned at the beginning). Other than that, it's an intricately woven, intriguing story that won't give you nightmares and makes me sorry to see the series come to an end.
November 3, 2018
Uau! Pela primeira vez nesta série consegui acertar no criminoso!!! Yes
Mais uma boa trama descansada pelo programa sob suspeita
E que bela jogada final de Alex 😊
Mais uma boa trama descansada pelo programa sob suspeita
E que bela jogada final de Alex 😊
November 26, 2016
3.5 stars
I called the killer early which is a bit disappointing. But I loved the set up of the book - the inside workings of an investigative tv crime show. Sounds like a show I'd watch! On top of that the main character is likeable and I love the snippets of her personal life. Definitely going to go back and read the earlier books in this series.
I called the killer early which is a bit disappointing. But I loved the set up of the book - the inside workings of an investigative tv crime show. Sounds like a show I'd watch! On top of that the main character is likeable and I love the snippets of her personal life. Definitely going to go back and read the earlier books in this series.
September 3, 2017
This is the first I have read in the "Under Suspicion" series - I thought the premise was brilliant, a tv show that examines cold cases and tries to offer some conclusion. Reality Crime TV.
I think I would call this "easy crime reading" in the sense that it flows beautifully, has a decently intriguing mystery element (if a little predictable to be honest) and I liked main character Laurie. Although I feel I may be missing the nuances having come into this late. She obviously has a rather large back story with several of the other characters appearing here and whilst I got a sense of it I'm going to recommend that readers coming into this read the earlier books.
I wouldn't say this has the depth of a usual Alafair Burke novel - she is an author I greatly admire - having not read Mary Higgins Clark for years now it would be hard to comment on that - but "The Sleeping Beauty Killer" is more a mass crime read - the kind you read on the beach or on a rainy Sunday. As such it does a good job, I enjoyed it whilst not being in love with it.
Overall if you like crime you'll like this. There is nothing not to like. It's fairly bland and innocuous, doesn't really explore anything terribly thought provoking but is a fun, fast and enjoyable read.
I think I would call this "easy crime reading" in the sense that it flows beautifully, has a decently intriguing mystery element (if a little predictable to be honest) and I liked main character Laurie. Although I feel I may be missing the nuances having come into this late. She obviously has a rather large back story with several of the other characters appearing here and whilst I got a sense of it I'm going to recommend that readers coming into this read the earlier books.
I wouldn't say this has the depth of a usual Alafair Burke novel - she is an author I greatly admire - having not read Mary Higgins Clark for years now it would be hard to comment on that - but "The Sleeping Beauty Killer" is more a mass crime read - the kind you read on the beach or on a rainy Sunday. As such it does a good job, I enjoyed it whilst not being in love with it.
Overall if you like crime you'll like this. There is nothing not to like. It's fairly bland and innocuous, doesn't really explore anything terribly thought provoking but is a fun, fast and enjoyable read.
March 27, 2017
DNF-End of prologue I already know who the killer is and why. Flipped to the back and discovered I was right so there really is no point finishing this book. This is why I stopped reading mystery novels. Sadly though many of Mary Higgins Clark's books have become more predictable which makes them harder to enjoy
March 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this one but need more growth out of Alex and Laurie at this point because it is really coming to head. The plot of this edition of the Under Suspicion series was fascinating because you had a convicted killer who served the sentence trying to clear her name of the crime. As always the research into the crime brought up multiple revelations that were exciting to delve into. The characters were amusing and the addition of Ryan was a bit testy at first but he somewhat grew on me.
My quick and simple overall: I am completely enjoying this series. Glad I am on a Mary Higgins Clark binge.
My quick and simple overall: I am completely enjoying this series. Glad I am on a Mary Higgins Clark binge.
February 15, 2017
Loved this one as I usually do with Mary Higgins Clark novel. Didn't see the huge plot twist coming. Can't wait to see what happens in this series.
December 20, 2016
This book was a disappointment. I guessed the killer in the first few pages. The others in this series were much better.
December 21, 2016
This was my favorite of the Under Suspicion series. I did guess who the killer was early in the book, but I did not forsee the cliffhanger. Nice job, ladies!
January 3, 2017
I have enjoyed Alafair Burke and Mary Higgins Clark joint series since the beginning. The Sleeping Beauty Killer was no exception!
March 11, 2023
This is a great series.... love the characters.
February 6, 2017
I have to admit, I really enjoy this "Under Suspicion" series by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. They are on the light side, but engrossing with great characters and development. Each addition is good, and keeps elevating the series. I look forward to each new one. I hope they continue to write these for a long time.
Laurie Moran takes on an unprecedented case for the show, one in which the accused has already been found guilty and served time. Casey Carter wants to prove to the world that "they got it wrong," and begs Laurie and the producers to help her clear her name through the show. There is a lot going on here to keep the reader interested, from intrigue with Alex, to a new co-host, to disturbing internet gossip. You'll wonder what the truth is on more than one occasion, and enjoy the trip it takes you on!
Laurie Moran takes on an unprecedented case for the show, one in which the accused has already been found guilty and served time. Casey Carter wants to prove to the world that "they got it wrong," and begs Laurie and the producers to help her clear her name through the show. There is a lot going on here to keep the reader interested, from intrigue with Alex, to a new co-host, to disturbing internet gossip. You'll wonder what the truth is on more than one occasion, and enjoy the trip it takes you on!
September 19, 2021
Este libro no me ha terminado de convencer. No sé si es porque introducen a Ryan, quien sustituye a Alex, si porque Alex se ha bajado del pequeño (pequeñísimo) pedestal en el que estaba con todo lo que dice y hace en este libro, o porque la evolución de la trama me ha parecido lenta y la resolución del caso me ha dejado fría.
O puede que sea por el hecho de que me molesta que en muchas ocasiones, la asesina sea una mujer despechada porque el hombre al que ama no la ama a ella, y siente celos de que esté felizmente con otra mujer.
O porque Alex, del que ya he hablado un poco antes, me parece que tergiversa las cosas y hace sentir culpable a Laurie cuando ella solamente está haciendo su trabajo. Que no estoy diciendo que Laurie no tuviera que haber confiado un poco más en él, pero él intenta hacerla sentir culpable a ella (spoiler, lo consigue) aludiendo que esta(ba) haciendo su trabajo como abogado y acusándola de no confiar lo suficiente en él. Amigo, cariño, una cosa es que confíe en ti a título personal porque "estáis juntos" y otra que, como profesionales que sois, hagáis vuestro trabajo y tiréis de todos los hilos posibles. Además, que esa actitud del final de "no, hacerle daño ahora me traerá beneficios (aka Laurie) en el futuro" me parece super preopotente y calculadora.
Pero, vamos, que si buscáis un libro ameno, ligero, fácil de leer y entretenido, este libro no está mal. Seguiré leyendo la saga a ver si mejoran las cosas. Hoy por hoy, mi OTP es Laurie y Charlotte.
O puede que sea por el hecho de que me molesta que en muchas ocasiones, la asesina sea una mujer despechada porque el hombre al que ama no la ama a ella, y siente celos de que esté felizmente con otra mujer.
O porque Alex, del que ya he hablado un poco antes, me parece que tergiversa las cosas y hace sentir culpable a Laurie cuando ella solamente está haciendo su trabajo. Que no estoy diciendo que Laurie no tuviera que haber confiado un poco más en él, pero él intenta hacerla sentir culpable a ella (spoiler, lo consigue) aludiendo que esta(ba) haciendo su trabajo como abogado y acusándola de no confiar lo suficiente en él. Amigo, cariño, una cosa es que confíe en ti a título personal porque "estáis juntos" y otra que, como profesionales que sois, hagáis vuestro trabajo y tiréis de todos los hilos posibles. Además, que esa actitud del final de "no, hacerle daño ahora me traerá beneficios (aka Laurie) en el futuro" me parece super preopotente y calculadora.
Pero, vamos, que si buscáis un libro ameno, ligero, fácil de leer y entretenido, este libro no está mal. Seguiré leyendo la saga a ver si mejoran las cosas. Hoy por hoy, mi OTP es Laurie y Charlotte.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2024
Oh wow, what an engaging story filled with suspense and unimaginable twists and turns. Casey Carter was released from prison after serving a 15-year prison sentence for manslaughter. She was found guilty of the death of her fiancé, famed philanthropist Hunter Raleigh III. She has always denied committing the murder and always claimed she was innocent. However, all of the evidence made this an open-and-shut case. But did she really do it?
Her mother Paula and her cousin Angela always stood by her side through her trial and incarceration, thinking she was innocent, and were there to pick her up when she was released from prison. Casey, who people called Crazy Casey and was dubbed "The Sleeping Beauty Killer" is determined to clear her name and prove her innocence. But who did it if it wasn't her?
Casey decides to prove her innocence by lobbying to appear on the true crime show, 'Under Suspicion,' and approaches producer Laurie Moran, who wants to help Casey. She gives Casey the benefit of the doubt and believes Casey was wrongfully convicted of killing her fiancé. Casey's mother is adamantly against her doing the show. Yet, Casey provides Laurie with a list of possible killers, that seems to be going nowhere. Everyone, including Hunter's father, believes that all the evidence points to Casey's guilt.
This is a story where jealousy goes wrong. Did Casey really kill Hunter and try to make the scene look like someone else did it because she was drugged? Or did someone else commit the murder and set her up to take the fall? Oh, how the plot thickens! I think you would really like this page-turner!
Her mother Paula and her cousin Angela always stood by her side through her trial and incarceration, thinking she was innocent, and were there to pick her up when she was released from prison. Casey, who people called Crazy Casey and was dubbed "The Sleeping Beauty Killer" is determined to clear her name and prove her innocence. But who did it if it wasn't her?
Casey decides to prove her innocence by lobbying to appear on the true crime show, 'Under Suspicion,' and approaches producer Laurie Moran, who wants to help Casey. She gives Casey the benefit of the doubt and believes Casey was wrongfully convicted of killing her fiancé. Casey's mother is adamantly against her doing the show. Yet, Casey provides Laurie with a list of possible killers, that seems to be going nowhere. Everyone, including Hunter's father, believes that all the evidence points to Casey's guilt.
This is a story where jealousy goes wrong. Did Casey really kill Hunter and try to make the scene look like someone else did it because she was drugged? Or did someone else commit the murder and set her up to take the fall? Oh, how the plot thickens! I think you would really like this page-turner!
October 25, 2017
I love this series! In this one I kinda knew who the killer was but I love the characters & want more of Laurie & Alex!!!
January 3, 2017
Katherine Carter (Casey) has just spent fifteen years in prison for killing her fiancé, Hunter Raleigh, III, and even though she was convicted of manslaughter instead of murder, there is nothing that will take away the sting of being found guilty. For Casey has maintained her innocence all along.
Now that she is out of prison, Casey’s first goal is to find a way to be on Laurie Moran’s show, Under Suspicion. With the help of her cousin Angela, who has always felt like a sister, she arranges for an interview.
Laurie listens, looks at the files, and then pitches the story to her boss, Brett. But both he and the new host of the show, Ryan Nichols, don’t think much of the idea, since Casey was convicted. Their show is usually about cold cases…unsolved cases.
But Laurie finally persuades them both, and the search begins for people to interview, including alternative individuals who might have killed Hunter.
The Sleeping Beauty Killer was a fast-paced book with short chapters; the moniker of “sleeping beauty killer” was one the press had hung on Casey. She had claimed to be sleeping deeply that night, having been drugged, and could not have killed him. Rohypnol was found in her blood, but a bottle of the pills was found in her handbag. Therefore, she could have drugged herself. But why would she hang onto the bottle?
More questions arise throughout Laurie’s investigation, as she considers other possible killers, such as Hunter’s brother, Andrew; the CFO, Mark Templeton; James Raleigh’s assistant, Mary Jane Finder; an ex-boyfriend of Casey’s who had written a book after her conviction, calling her “crazy”; and any number of other possible individuals, as yet unknown. The media frenzy continues. Who is the informant that seems to be providing insider information to one malicious blogger determined to “try Casey” all over again? Could the same individual have been feeding the media frenzy during the trial as well? What is the meaning of that individual’s screen name, RIP_Hunter?
All through the book I began to feel a niggling doubt about one individual, possibly the least likely suspect, whom I will not name due to spoilers. I never trusted that person. So I was pleased when finally the pieces of the puzzle fell into place…and I was right! I love when that happens.
I couldn’t stop reading this book, and even though I figured out who killed Hunter, I still wanted to keep going to discover how the answers would come to the characters who needed to know. 4 stars.
Now that she is out of prison, Casey’s first goal is to find a way to be on Laurie Moran’s show, Under Suspicion. With the help of her cousin Angela, who has always felt like a sister, she arranges for an interview.
Laurie listens, looks at the files, and then pitches the story to her boss, Brett. But both he and the new host of the show, Ryan Nichols, don’t think much of the idea, since Casey was convicted. Their show is usually about cold cases…unsolved cases.
But Laurie finally persuades them both, and the search begins for people to interview, including alternative individuals who might have killed Hunter.
The Sleeping Beauty Killer was a fast-paced book with short chapters; the moniker of “sleeping beauty killer” was one the press had hung on Casey. She had claimed to be sleeping deeply that night, having been drugged, and could not have killed him. Rohypnol was found in her blood, but a bottle of the pills was found in her handbag. Therefore, she could have drugged herself. But why would she hang onto the bottle?
More questions arise throughout Laurie’s investigation, as she considers other possible killers, such as Hunter’s brother, Andrew; the CFO, Mark Templeton; James Raleigh’s assistant, Mary Jane Finder; an ex-boyfriend of Casey’s who had written a book after her conviction, calling her “crazy”; and any number of other possible individuals, as yet unknown. The media frenzy continues. Who is the informant that seems to be providing insider information to one malicious blogger determined to “try Casey” all over again? Could the same individual have been feeding the media frenzy during the trial as well? What is the meaning of that individual’s screen name, RIP_Hunter?
All through the book I began to feel a niggling doubt about one individual, possibly the least likely suspect, whom I will not name due to spoilers. I never trusted that person. So I was pleased when finally the pieces of the puzzle fell into place…and I was right! I love when that happens.
I couldn’t stop reading this book, and even though I figured out who killed Hunter, I still wanted to keep going to discover how the answers would come to the characters who needed to know. 4 stars.
November 24, 2016
Mary and Alafair have written another great mystery. This is the third book in this Under Suspicion series that they have written together.
This story centered on a young woman who has spent 15 years in prison for killing her finance, but all along she said that she was innocent!
The book starts out when she is being released from prison. She is met by her mother and her only cousin, Angela.
All the years that Casey spent in jail she kept telling anyone who would listen she was innocent! Her mother and father wanted to believe her, but the evidence was against her. She went to prison and spent 15 years behind bars for something she did not do.
But the day she was released. When she was met by her mom and cousin Angela, the first thing she said was can you get me a meeting with Laurie Moran from Under Suspicion. I need to get on her show. Angela worked for a person who had been on one of Laurie's shows and they had become good friends. So Angela and Paula (her Mom) were not happy about it, she did set up the meeting and Laurie did meet with Casey. But the more she investigated the more she was sure that Casey did kill Hunter.
But Laurie, decided to go ahead with the show hoping that something would show up and they would have a new development show up before they filmed.
The book has many twists and turns and many characters and you have to pay close attention to them to get the clues right and figure out who did what.
As in the Mary Higgins Clark style, she is able to keep you glued to the pages until the end. I did not believe I was done when I got there. It is well worth the time to read as are all Mary's books!
This story centered on a young woman who has spent 15 years in prison for killing her finance, but all along she said that she was innocent!
The book starts out when she is being released from prison. She is met by her mother and her only cousin, Angela.
All the years that Casey spent in jail she kept telling anyone who would listen she was innocent! Her mother and father wanted to believe her, but the evidence was against her. She went to prison and spent 15 years behind bars for something she did not do.
But the day she was released. When she was met by her mom and cousin Angela, the first thing she said was can you get me a meeting with Laurie Moran from Under Suspicion. I need to get on her show. Angela worked for a person who had been on one of Laurie's shows and they had become good friends. So Angela and Paula (her Mom) were not happy about it, she did set up the meeting and Laurie did meet with Casey. But the more she investigated the more she was sure that Casey did kill Hunter.
But Laurie, decided to go ahead with the show hoping that something would show up and they would have a new development show up before they filmed.
The book has many twists and turns and many characters and you have to pay close attention to them to get the clues right and figure out who did what.
As in the Mary Higgins Clark style, she is able to keep you glued to the pages until the end. I did not believe I was done when I got there. It is well worth the time to read as are all Mary's books!
December 20, 2016
The third novel in the Under Suspicion series and this series has become an automatic read for me. Unfortunately I didn't feel the charm in this novel, as I have in the past with the other two novels.
Casey went to jail for 15 years for killing her very rich fiance and now that she is out, she is determined to clear her name. She approaches producer Laurie to put her case on her Under Suspicion TV show. Laurie feels that Casey could be innocent, but all of the evidence is proving that Casey is guilty.
I think this was the fastest that I have ever guessed/known who the killer was (yay!). Unfortunately it made for a not as great read since I guessed the twists and turns early on.
There was a lot of differences from the previous 2 novels then this novel. This novel was dealing with a new host, which put a lot of tension on Laurie. I also found the majority of the novel was Laurie and team preparing for the show, instead of actually filming the show.
Overall, not the best novel in the series, but I'll be one of the first people reserving the next novel in the series!
Casey went to jail for 15 years for killing her very rich fiance and now that she is out, she is determined to clear her name. She approaches producer Laurie to put her case on her Under Suspicion TV show. Laurie feels that Casey could be innocent, but all of the evidence is proving that Casey is guilty.
I think this was the fastest that I have ever guessed/known who the killer was (yay!). Unfortunately it made for a not as great read since I guessed the twists and turns early on.
There was a lot of differences from the previous 2 novels then this novel. This novel was dealing with a new host, which put a lot of tension on Laurie. I also found the majority of the novel was Laurie and team preparing for the show, instead of actually filming the show.
Overall, not the best novel in the series, but I'll be one of the first people reserving the next novel in the series!
August 14, 2017
Given I hated the last Mary Higgins Clark book I read I shroud lave known better. All I can figure is I must have downloaded this book without looking at who wrote it.
First of all Crazy Casey is not a catchy name, how lazy can you be?
Main problem is the writing is crap. Dialogue is lame. Characters are obnoxious. Their inner monologues are annoying and also poorly written. Serious feel like I'm reading a story written by a bored and unimaginative 6th grader.
And why the hell are these books so damn repetitive?? Quit assuming your readers have the attention span of a puppy in a squirrel infested forest.
Casey, a 40 something ex con is really gonna get all panicked by a lame ass blog talking crap??
"JK is Timmy's new version of just kidding" Really??
I'm not even gonna get into the totally implausible cheesy wrap it iup quick ending. What a mess. Never again Higgins Clark, never again...
First of all Crazy Casey is not a catchy name, how lazy can you be?
Main problem is the writing is crap. Dialogue is lame. Characters are obnoxious. Their inner monologues are annoying and also poorly written. Serious feel like I'm reading a story written by a bored and unimaginative 6th grader.
And why the hell are these books so damn repetitive?? Quit assuming your readers have the attention span of a puppy in a squirrel infested forest.
Casey, a 40 something ex con is really gonna get all panicked by a lame ass blog talking crap??
"JK is Timmy's new version of just kidding" Really??
I'm not even gonna get into the totally implausible cheesy wrap it iup quick ending. What a mess. Never again Higgins Clark, never again...
August 21, 2021
Casey let out a sad laugh. “And which name are we talking about? Crazy Casey? The Sleeping Beauty Killer? That’s why I’m here. I’m innocent. I did not kill Hunter, and I want my name—my good name—back.”
January 3, 2019
Lê-se bem, sem ser um livro fantástico.
MHC já lançou livros bem melhores.
MHC já lançou livros bem melhores.
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