Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Under Suspicion #7

Piece of My Heart

Rate this book
In the latest thrilling collaboration from #1 New York Times bestselling author and “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke, television producer Laurie Moran must solve the kidnapping of her fiancée’s nephew—just days before her wedding.

Television producer Laurie Moran and her fiancée, Alex Buckley, the former host of her investigative television show, are just days away from their mid-summer wedding, when things take a dark turn. Alex’s seven-year-old nephew, Johnny, vanishes from the beach, triggering a search party. Witnesses recall Johnny playing in the water and collecting shells behind the beach shack, but no one remembers seeing him in the afternoon. As the sun sets, Johnny’s skim board washes up to shore, and everyone realizes that he could be anywhere, even under the water.

A ticking clock, a sinister stalker, and a fresh romance combine in this exhilarating follow up to the bestselling You Don’t Own Me —another riveting page-turner from the “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark and her dazzling partner-in-crime Alafair Burke.

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 17, 2020

3230 people are currently reading
18691 people want to read

About the author

Mary Higgins Clark

630 books13.5k followers
The #1 New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark has written thirty-eight suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a his­torical novel, a memoir, and two children’s books. With bestselling author Alafair Burke she wrote the Under Suspicion series. With her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, she has coauthored five more suspense novels. Her sister-in-law is the also author Mary Jane Clark.

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

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
6,514 (38%)
4 stars
6,513 (38%)
3 stars
3,146 (18%)
2 stars
475 (2%)
1 star
108 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,135 reviews
Profile Image for chantalsbookstuff.
1,048 reviews1,054 followers
July 14, 2023
I feel a little sad that the series has come to an end because I genuinely enjoyed the characters and the story. I hope that one of MH Clark's other series can help me get over the end of this amazing series. I can't see any more books in this series but will secretly hope for one more.

The characters in were all likable, and I got attached to them. The story was engaging and kept me interested throughout. It's a shame that it's over, but I'm optimistic that MH Clark's other series will provide comfort and help me move on from this fantastic series.
Profile Image for Julie .
4,248 reviews38k followers
January 17, 2021
Piece of my Heart by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke is a 2021 Simon & Schuster publication.

The bittersweet conclusion of the ‘Under Suspicion’ series.

It is time for the long- awaited nuptials for Laurie and Alex- but before they can exchange vows, Alex’s nephew goes missing. As the puzzle deepens, lives are put on hold, and a child’s life is at stake.

Knowing this is the last book in the series makes it a little special. It is different from the standpoint that Laurie’s show is not in the forefront, as in the past. However, a cold case is still inserted into the plot via an old case of Laurie’s father, which could be connected to the current day kidnapping.

This is fast-paced installment that kept me on my toes. I never would have worked out whodunit or why, and fell right into the trap set for me.

Although I hate to see the series conclude- having hoped Alafair Burke might consider taking reigns- I think the series ended on a high note.

4 stars
Profile Image for Javier.
1,174 reviews303 followers
November 29, 2020
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....

I've got a confession to make. Although once upon a time when I was young...er, Mary Higgins Clark was one of my favorite authors, the past few years I just kept reading her books out of some kind of nostalgic obligation (if that even makes sense). It might be the books themselves or the fact that now I'm an adult with lots of books read under my belt, but I don't think her last stories were up to par with her earlier titles. However, when I learnt about her passing earlier this year I was saddened, cause it meant the end of a reading journey I started when I was on my teens.

Her seventh collaboration with Alafair Burke in the "Under Suspicion" series was just ok, and that saddens me cause I was really hoping for her last book to be a winner.

I was not specially taken with any of the plots. I'm getting so tired of children's kidnappings! And the case they investigate for the TV show wasn't much more interesting (predictable much?!). Both plots move way too slow, the involvement of some characters in the investigation was a bit of a stretch, and the actions of other characters were just plain stupid. I know it's fiction but, come on!

The fact that it's book 7 and some info on Laurie's background has been repeated in each and every book made this a bit tiresome. The fact that all the main characters are all lights and no shadows is a bit unrealistic and too vanilla for my current reading tastes.

Although it had all the trademarks of a Mary Higgins Clark story (short chapters, extensive cast, red-herrings) it didn't manage to grab me like some of the earlier titles in the series.
Profile Image for Darla.
4,826 reviews1,233 followers
November 8, 2020
Mary Higgins Clark, you finished well. Your decision to collaborate with Alafair Burke on the "Under Suspicion Series" has given us one more book as part of your legacy. Since I read 'Where Are the Children' I have been a faithful MHC fan. It is so sad to be reading her last work. With all her hallmark touches in place, it seems like she is not really gone. We have an extensive cast of characters, the short staccato chapters, the classic red herrings, and the satisfying finish. The cover is gorgeous. Well done, Mary Higgins Clark. Thank you for leaving us behind so many titles that we can read to revisit your genius.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Readaholic Jenn .
399 reviews156 followers
May 24, 2023
This book is different than the others in the series. First of all, there really no is cold case. It's main focus is on Johnny's kidnapping. Second of all, it kinda feels like the end. I know Mary Higgins Clark passed away and this was her last book but I hoped Alafair Burke would continue writing the series. The ending of this book kinda feels like the end of the series. Overall, it's an excellent book in an excellent series.
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,078 reviews3,014 followers
July 22, 2024
As the family met up at the Hamptons, a few days prior to Laurie Moran and Alex Buckley's wedding, little did they know what was ahead of them. When Laurie, Alex, Marcy and Andrew headed out for a game of golf, they left Laurie's son Timmy, and Marcy and Andrew's children, Johnny and the twins, with babysitters. Laurie had used Kara for years and trusted her implicitly, so it was an immense shock when she reported that Johnny, Alex's seven year old nephew, was missing. Laurie's father, Leo Farley, immediately contacted his people in the NYPD, and soon the resort was surrounded by police.

Would Laurie's program - Under Suspicion - draw the past to the current day, to enable them to find Johnny? As the days went by and Johnny's abduction caused heartache and despair, especially in his parents, the investigation continued. But would they find him before it was too late?

Piece of My Heart is the 7th in the Under Suspicion series by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke and it was gripping and tense! It's awhile since I read #6 but it immediately came back to me. Laurie is an excellent character, as is her father Leo. The plot was exceptional, the tension ongoing. I loved it and recommend it highly.
1,157 reviews13 followers
December 5, 2020
This book is by one of my favorite authors, but was not as good as some of her books. There were so many characters in the story that it was hard to keep up with everyone. At first the reader does not know who the people are and how they relate to the story. The main characters were familiar and there was a happy ending, but it took awhile to muddle through the chapters.
Profile Image for MicheleReader.
1,117 reviews167 followers
November 28, 2020
Laurie Moran is a television producer who is about to be married to Alex Buckley. It’s been a long road to happiness for Laurie whose husband and father of son Timmy was tragically murdered. As the happy couple celebrate Alex’s birthday in the Hamptons with family, only days away from their wedding, Alex’s seven-year-old nephew Johnny goes missing while playing on the beach. Told in a nine day period, the family, including Laurie’s father Leo Farley, a retired NYPD policeman, work frantically to figure out what happened. Laurie is betting that an old case of Leo’s is behind the apparent kidnapping. Time is running out in this latest installment of an enjoyable series.

A Piece of My Heart is the seventh book in the Under Suspicion series. Written by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke, the series may end with this latest book as sadly, Ms. Clark passed away earlier this year. (It is unclear if Ms. Burke will keep it going.) The book can be read as a standalone as the focus is on the secondary characters more than the ones readers have gotten to know over the years. But if you’re looking for easy-reading, suspenseful stories, the entire series is worth a look. I will miss the talented storytelling of Mary Higgins Clark.

Review posted on MicheleReader.com.

Profile Image for Christie Jones.
Author 2 books5 followers
December 18, 2020
I’ve been a huge MHC fan for years. I’ve met her several times and found her so gracious. I find the title of this book to be bittersweet because she and her books will always have a piece of my heart and I put off reading this because I was sad to read her final book. I wish I could rank it higher just out of love for MHC but I found it a tad confusing and I felt there were too many characters to keep track of and the “red herring” just didn’t do it for me. That being said, much love and respect, Ms. Higgins Clark. You gave me and many others a great deal of joy over the years! I’m gonna go back and read While My Pretty One Sleeps now, the one that started it all for me. 💖
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,655 reviews1,690 followers
November 28, 2021
Under Suspicion #7

Television producer Laurie Moran and her fiancee, Alex Buckley, the former host of of her investigative television show, are just days away from their mid-summer wedding, when things take a dark turn. Alex's seven year old nephew, Johnny vanishes from the beach. A search party begins and witnesses reveal Johnny playing in the water and collecting shells behind the beach shack, but no one remembers seeing him after morning. As the sun sets, Johnny's skim board washes up to shore, and everyone realises that he could be anywhere, even under water.

This is another dark and twisted read by the authors. The pace is steady and all the main characters are back. It's an easy, straight forward-mystery with a few twists. It's also very well written.

#LibraryBook
Profile Image for Leo.
4,984 reviews627 followers
October 9, 2021
While this was a decent book to pass some time with it wasn't very thrilling nor exciting. But not bad
Profile Image for Linda Smith.
965 reviews22 followers
February 27, 2021
Laurie Moran has planned a family weekend on Long Island to celebrate her fiancé Alex's 40th birthday. Her father and son represent her side of the family. Alex's brother Andrew, along with his wife and three young children, will also be staying at the beautiful resort. The wedding will take place in a few days, followed by a honeymoon in Italy. At least, those were the well-laid plans. But those plans were totally upended when Andrew's seven-year-old son disappeared from the beach. Laurie is the producer of an investigative television show called Under Suspicion. Her team rallies to throw their resources into solving this mystery. Laurie's father, a retired NYPD detective, has considerable influence with the police and his contacts are invaluable. The hunt is on but days are passing without a resolution. This book is a fast, compelling read. It is also a bittersweet one. Author Mary Higgins Clark died while working on it. So I assume that this is the end of the series, unless her co-author, Alafair Burke, is authorized to continue it. I will miss these characters and the compelling stories that they told.
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,341 reviews71 followers
November 6, 2020
The latest in the "Under Suspicion" series that MHC writes with Alafair Burke. I have read all the previous book in this series and it is my 40th MHC novel overall. It helps to have read the previous books in the series. The romance arc through the previous novels reaches a crescendo with the wedding of the lead character. The mystery can stand alone.

Laurie Moran, tv producer of a show that investigates cold cases is finally getting married to Federal Judge Alex Buxley. While gathering with family for the wedding Alex's nephew disappears. Laurie thinks a kidnapper might have mistaken the nephew for her son and believes it involves a case involving her father. The defendant after serving 18 years, claims her dad falsified the confession boosting his career. If Johnny was the intended target, who has something against the family?

The mystery was straight forward with typical twists and turns. I guessed one outcome but not the secondary plot. The main characters continue to be likable. The timeframe was shortened, with a missing child compared to Laurie's other investigations for her tv show. A small misstep to me was having the main characters go on a date in the aftermath of Johnny disappearing. It is a sweet scene but didn't seem like something real people would do in the middle of a family drama. MHC books are clean for language and sex. This one includes minimal violence and the missing child is handled sensitively.

With the passing of the Queen of Suspense I will be curious if Burke will continue the series alone. Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster and the authors for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ☕Brenda Loves Books☕.
446 reviews67 followers
January 1, 2021
Fairly good suspense book.
Enough twists and turns to kind of keep my attention, but not the page turner, can't put it down type.
4⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Stephen.
2,177 reviews464 followers
May 3, 2021
enjoyed the book but felt it missed a little something though
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
November 22, 2020
I have been a fan of Mary Higgins Clark for decades! I read her first book while I was a senior in high school. I have read that one more than once. I own all her books, which sit proudly on my shelves. When I heard earlier this year that she had died, I was just devastated. It’s so hard to think that there won’t be a new MHC book every year.

This series is co-written with Alafair Burke and I also own all of these. They work very well together. What I enjoy most about Clark’s work is that she gradually layers on more suspense with each chapter, while ramping up the excitement in every book she writes. This one contains her last work. I loved it but I am very sad that there will be no more books from her.
Profile Image for Tanya.
858 reviews19 followers
July 2, 2021
This was a convoluted mess. Very predictable and once early on the pieces were figured out then it was as if the author(s) kept throwing past crime cases and characters galore into the mix which only made a bigger mess for me to read through. It had scary and intense parts but I felt it was such an elementary mystery and I expected more from these 2 powerhouse mystery writers. Disappointing.
Profile Image for Elsie Chaput.
15 reviews
November 29, 2020
I haven't read a book from Mary Higgins Clark in so long and I can't remember why I ever stopped. Read this book in two sittings which is not my typical reading habits. COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.

highly recommended!!!
Profile Image for Jamie.
640 reviews
December 1, 2020
I wanted to like this book more but it was slow for me and a little all over the place. It’s Mary Higgins Clark last book so I feel bad I didn’t like this more but I didn’t feel a connection with any characters or the story.
Profile Image for Vanessa Menezes.
549 reviews169 followers
November 26, 2022
Television producer Laurie Moran and her fiancée, Alex Buckley, the former host of her investigative television show, are just days away from their mid-summer wedding, when things take a dark turn.

Alex’s seven-year-old nephew, Johnny, vanishes from the beach. A search party begins and none of the witnesses remember seeing him after the morning. As the sun sets, Johnny’s skim board washes up to shore, and everyone realizes that he could be anywhere, even under water.

I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series and this book was no exception! What I enjoy most about Clark’s work is that she gradually layers on more suspense with each chapter that manages to hold your interest in the plot till the end.

Reading this book was bittersweet for me since Mary Higgins Clark has been my favourite author since childhood. It was through her books that I discovered my love for reading. Her books were perfect for anyone looking for an easy-reading but suspenseful stories. So for me she will always be the “Queen of Suspense” as she was popularly known as!

I know Mary Higgins Clark passed away two years ago and I always felt this was her last book but I am so glad that Alafair Burke has announced another book releasing next year. Definitely looking forward to it!
Profile Image for Donna.
2,370 reviews
December 25, 2020
Laurie Moran, producer of a news-based reality television show that investigates cold cases, is marrying Judge Alex Buckley in 4 days. His sister's family is already there for the wedding, as is Laurie's father and her son Timmy. The unthinkable happens - Alex's nephew Johnny is kidnapped.

I've read every book in the Laurie Moran series. I like the concept of her show. The story moved slowly at first but became more complex and I was completely led down the wrong path.

This is Mary Higgins Clark's final novel. She died January 31, 2020. Her novels were the first ones that I read over 25 years ago when I switched over to the mystery genre. I could always count on her to write a good, clean mystery. I wonder if Ms Clark's estate will allow Alafair Burke to continue to write the Laurie Moran series.
Profile Image for Olivia.
590 reviews
April 9, 2021
Okay guyyyyyssss this is prob the most random 4 star ever but I legit loved this 😂 it’s a cheesy chick lit meets Mystery suspense. I listened to this while on runs or driving and it was PERFECT. Easy to pick back up. Engaging and kept me wanting to listen more. I mean it was not excellent writing or a crazy amazing story , but if I say books I keep wanting to pick up and read or listen to are 4 stars then I have to be a woman of my word and give it 4! Lol this is the 7th in a series oops so now I’m starting at the beginning. Onward!
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
Author 40 books867 followers
January 22, 2022
I'm rereading Mary Higgins Clarks' books in 2022. They are perfect comfort reads--well-researched and edge-of-your-seat, yet non-graphic and clean (most of them). She really knew how to do suspense right. This one was slightly different from her typical "formula" of a strong female lead/love triangle kind of thing, but I did enjoy it. I never like books that feature child kidnapping, but I was able to go into this one knowing she would treat the subject in a non-gratuitous way and would conclude the book satisfactorily, like any mystery.
Profile Image for Caoimhe.
294 reviews13 followers
August 31, 2023
My first mystery book was by this author. I believe I was in high school when I first read I'll Be Seeing You. As you read more books in this genre, you start to predict the plot twists. That's why mystery books are hard to pull off like fantasy genres. The culprit has a mental illness, and the twist is somewhat predictable. You will get some hints in the book as to who the culprit is.
Profile Image for TitiX.
23 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2022
Un roman sympathique à l'écriture simple et fluide dans lequel, hélas, on ne retrouve pas la puissance des premiers Mary Higgins Clark. Ce dernier tome de la serie "Laurie Moran" est trop convenu, trop lisse, trop chic, le tout manque de consistance, comme si on survolait brièvement les scènes au lieu de complètement etre immergé. Reste une intrigue qui, malgré tout, nous donne envie de connaître le dénouement.
Profile Image for Jo.
607 reviews14 followers
November 26, 2020
I still despise Laurie. But this book had some rational people and that was nice. And it may be the last in the series, which is sad. I will have to find something else to hate-read.

Also- again, why does she still have a job? No TV episode of her show was produced yet again. What even IS this show?
Profile Image for Shelley Lawrence.
2,047 reviews102 followers
December 13, 2020
4.75-5 stars
I absolutely love the Under Suspicion series by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. The premise of a reality crime show where the hosts try to solve cold cases, or crimes where a person has been held under suspicion without resolving the crime, is fascinating and fairly original. A Piece of my Heart is yet another intriguing and also emotional addition to the series.

These are fast-paced, easy-to-read mysteries and I love the added aspect of the family dynamics and relationship developments in the overarching narrative. Basically, I love these characters and their interactions, and though the crimes are unique and varied, the characters single-handedly make these stories addictive and utterly engaging.

I always look forward to the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,135 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.