Where Are the Children Now?

Where Are the Children #2

by Mary Higgins Clark, Alafair Burke

The legacy of the “Queen of Suspense” continues with the highly anticipated follow-up to Mary Higgins Clark’s iconic novel Where Are The Children?, featuring the children of Nancy Harmon, facing peril once again as adults.

Of the fifty-six bestsellers the “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark published in her lifetime, Where Are the Children? was her biggest, selling millions of copies and forever transforming the genre of suspense fiction. In that story, a young California mother named Nancy Harmon was convicted of murdering her two children. Though released on a technicality, she was abandoned by her husband and became such a pariah in the media that she was forced to move across the country to Cape Cod, change her identity and appearance, and start a new life. Years later her two children from a second marriage, Mike and Melissa, would go missing, and Nancy yet again became the prime suspect—but this time, Nancy was able to confront the secrets buried in her past and rescue her kids from a dangerous predator.

Now, more than four decades since readers first met Nancy and her children, comes the thrilling sequel to the groundbreaking book that set the stage for future generations of psychological suspense novels. A lawyer turned successful podcaster, Melissa has recently married a man whose first wife died tragically, leaving him and their young daughter, Riley, behind. While Melissa and her brother, Mike, help their mom, Nancy, relocate from Cape Cod to the equally idyllic Hamptons, Melissa’s new stepdaughter goes missing. Drawing on the experience of their own abduction, Melissa and Mike race to find Riley to save her from the trauma they still struggle with—or worse.

Just like the original, Where Are the Children Now? keeps readers guessing and holding their breath until the very last page.

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

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2023

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[L.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent job on the sequel to one of my favorite Mary Higgins Clark books Where are the Children? I went into this book with low expectations, but I was wrong to think Alafair Burke couldn’t do it! She did an outstanding job! It kept me on the edge of my seat and I enjoyed the rehash of the first book!
This poor family has suffered a lot after Nancy was accused of killing her two children almost 4 decades. When she was cleared, she remarried and had two more children. Her children Melissa and Mike were kidnapped and just moments from being killed before rescued. Several decades later Nancy watches her daughter Melissa experience the same heartbreak when her stepdaughter Riley is taken without a trace.
Each chapter leaves a cliffhanger… MHC style, which I love! Excellent writing and I was not disappointed in this thriller!
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift it was to read this last title from the queen of suspense. Kudos to Alafair Burke for collaborating and finishing it so brilliantly. I was hooked on Nary Higgins Clark and her special knack for suspense decades ago after reading the original "Where Are the Children?" I can still see that hardcover library copy in my mind. This sequel was perfection. Now I really want to reread the original!

[Mai H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up reading my mom's Mary Higgins Clark novels. I never picked up WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN? but this one interested me anyway. While these stories aren't really groundbreaking in any way, the mystery is always of interest. Melissa was a little too naïve for my taste, but what can you do? By the time we got to the twist, it felt a little farfetched, but as I enjoyed myself, I let it slide.

📖 Thank you to Goodreads and Simon & Schuster

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster

[Luvtoread (Trying to catch up) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FLASH TO THE PAST!

Melissa is a blissfully happy new wife and.stepmother to a beautiful three year old little girl named Riley, although she has been dealing from horrible nightmares stemming from the trauma of her abduction as a young child. Melissa and her new family have been helping her mother (Nancy) relocate to a new home in Cape Cod where she will be closer to her daughter and her family. Within a couple days while Melissa and Riley were napping Riley mysteriously disappears. All the doors and windows were locked so things don't look too good for Melissa and she becomes the prime suspect in the case along with her husband although he was away on a business trip so he has a proven alibi while poor Melissa can't believe how the evidence continues to build against her.

Melissa is an attorney herself so she understands how the legal system works and she realizes she's in huge trouble while her supportive husband begins drifting away from her as the harsh evidence against his wife is casting more and more doubt on her innocence along with some similarities from her own kidnapping years ago. In the meantime Melissa is supported by her immediate family and close friends while she is being villainised in the public eye. Her new marriage is crumbling so Melissa struggles with guilt about feeling responsible for Riley's abduction since the toddler was under her care and she doesn't understand how someone could have taken the child without her hearing or feeling the presence of someone in the house even though she was asleep since she has always been a light sleeper and the slightest noises would usually awaken her.




Why does history seem to be repeating itself? Nancy was also the prime suspect in Melissa's and her brother's kidnapping where they were almost murdered although Nancy's husband at this time never doubted his wife's innocence no.matter what evidence was found and stacked against her. If and when Melissa is found innocent in Riley's disappearance will her marriage have even the slightest chance of surviving? This was such an enjoyable and entertaining sequel to the first book "Where Are The Children" written decades ago, although this novel can definitely be read as a stand-alone since the authors did a terrific job filling in all the necessary details needed so any reader won't feel lost or confused. All the important details has been tastefully included. It was fun to see that the story was written in same style of writing that I remembered from all the earlier "Mary Higgins Clark's" books yet this writing was still current and contemporary. I am so pleased that I had the chance to read this novel and I hope the author "Alafair Burke" who was a co-writer on many of the previous books as well will continue to produce similar books in the future. The storyline was wonderful and the plot had many twists and turns right up until the ending which I really appreciated. Just when I thought the story was getting predictable there would be a sharp turn that I didn't see coming and plenty more along the way.

I did have a problem with a couple of characters that I thought were shallow with some of their emotions and I couldn't connect with their feelings. All the words were properly written, but I just couldn't get a sense of the depth of the loss and tragedy at hand. Although, Melissa was a high-powered attorney she seemed a little dimwitted to me at times plus she made quite a few stupid decisions which actually made the story more entertaining but she just wasn't the "brightest crayon in the box" in my opinion. Any of my negative thoughts did not affect the enjoyment factor of the book because maybe the characters were meant to be written that way and I may have interpreted them incorrectly. The story had a complex plot, suspense and plenty of mystery, it was definitely a fun ride trying to find out what happened to Riley and the ending was a very satisfying conclusion when all of my questions were answered.

Highly recommend for both old and new fans of the world famous "Mary Higgins Clark".

I want to thank the publisher "Simon & Schuster" for the opportunity to read this story and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!

I have given this entertaining book a rating of 4 SUSPENSEFUL AND MYSTERIOUS 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this book up because I like the author, Mary Higgins Clark. I have read quite a few of her books and enjoyed them. This one is the sequel to Where Are the Children, Clark's first novel, and it kept me guessing until the end with some shocking surprises.

For this book Nancy's children, Mike and Melissa are grown up. Melissa has just married Charlie, a widower with a 5-year-0ld daughter, Riley, that Melissa adores. Then Riley goes missing and the nightmare begins.

I was engrossed from start to finish! There is a lot going on in this book and the past is influencing the present situation. There are lots of secrets and lies - things are not as they seem and I couldn't wait to find out the true answers.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on April 18, 2023.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of the original, I was blown away by this super-smart, super-suspenseful sequel. It's brilliantly crafted, honoring the voice from the original book while also being totally modern. The characters are incredibly likeable, the pacing is perfection. Alafair Burke has crafted an absolute gem!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book, co-authored by Alafair Burke, is a sequel to Mary Higgins Clark's 1975 novel 'Where Are the Children?'. Broadly speaking, 'Where Are The Children' is about a woman named Nancy whose two young children, Mike and Melissa are abducted, abused, and eventually rescued. The sequel provides enough background information to work fine as a standalone.

In 'Where Are The Children Now', Mike and Melissa - who were kidnapped as children - are now adults. Mike has had therapy to deal with the childhood trauma but Melissa couldn't (and still can't) bear to talk about her ordeal and claims she can 'choose to be happy.'



Mike works as a captain on a tourist boat in the Caribbean and Melissa is a lawyer, well-known for securing the release of a woman named Jennifer Duncan, who was accused of killing her abusive husband. Melissa is now also an author and the host of a popular true crime podcast. The current focus of the podcast is a missing boy, which hits close to home for Melissa.

Melissa is also a newlywed, happily married to a widower named Charlie Miller. Charlie has a sweet toddler daughter called Riley, who Melissa adores.





Melissa and Charlie live in the ritzy Long Island Hamptons and Melissa's mother Nancy is relocating to the same area. Melissa and her brother Mike - who's flown in from the Caribbean - are helping their mother pack and move.



Like anyone in the public eye, Melissa expects abusive remarks from trolls, but one particular lowlife has been leaving REALLY nasty comments, and Melissa is twitchy. One day Melissa is at the playground with her stepdaughter Riley, checking her phone and sipping coffee, when she looks up to see a woman speaking to Riley. Melissa rushes over, and the woman hurls insults, saying Melissa is neglecting the toddler, and Melissa is a fraud and a hypocrite.



Melissa is badly shaken and takes Riley home, where they both take a nap. When Melissa's brother Mike comes in a couple of hours later, Riley is gone and Melissa is so sleepy she can hardly be awakened.

To cut to the chase, the police suspect Melissa of harming little Riley. Melissa tries to point the police in a different direction, especially toward the nasty woman in the playground....but the cops don't want to listen.



In the meantime, Melissa's husband Charlie, heeding the advice of his lawyer, distances himself from Melissa, though he claims to believe she's blameless.



There's lots of excitement as the story unfolds, and plenty of twists and surprises. I like the book but wish that Melissa - an intelligent woman - was more perceptive than she is.

Still this is a compelling thriller with a nice array of characters. Recommended to mystery fans.

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

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those readers unfamiliar with Mary Higgins Clark, a little history. …Clark, who died in 2020, has been attributed with creating the modern suspense novel. Of her 50+ bestsellers, her first, “Where are the Children?” (1975) sold the most and is still in print, it’s 75th edition.

Clark was one of my mother’s favorite authors. I have read all her books and, out of sentimentality, continue to do so as a matter of routine, and also because I like them.

In the first Where are the Children? a mother in California was convicted of killing her two children and then released on a technicality. Abandoned by her husband, she changed her identity, moved to Cape Cod, and remarried. Her two children from this second marriage then went missing. Suspicion again fell on the mother, but eventually the children were rescued and the true perpetrator identified.

In this sequel, decades later, the daughter, Melissa, who had been kidnapped is married to a widower with a young daughter. When that child goes missing, suspicion falls on Melissa and it is up to her and her brother to solve the case, while also confronting their unresolved issues related to their early experience.

There are twists and turns and the suspense of wanting to find the truth kept me glued to the book that I finished in a day, eschewing all outside interruptions including a beautiful day outside! MHC books do have a bit of a fairy tailish quality to them. With some very likable characters, they all seem to end with something positive coming out of something terrible.

It has been so many years (and so many books!) since I read the first book, I remembered no details from it; that did not interfere with being able to pick up the past history as it related to this story.

Thanks to #netgalley and #simonandschuster #simonbooks for the ARC.

[Angie Kim]

One of my most anticipated reads of the year! Where Are The Children? is a classic, the book that I believe started the contemporary domestic/psychological thriller genre. Alafair Burke is an amazing writer, and I've already heard from friends who've read it what a masterful job she did in writing this sequel. I've been waiting for a day when I have nothing going on so I can just get lost and read it from cover to cover. I'm sick of waiting, and I'm diving in. Here we go!

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Where Are the Children Now?

My first Mary Higgins Clark book was Where Are the Children? and I remember being blown away by the story, the characters, the suspense.

Of course, I was a spring chicken then but that book made me a huge fan of Mary Higgins Clark and I devoured most of her books for years after that.

Naturally, I was excited to see a sequel and doubly excited when my request was approved.

Sadly, I'm in the minority on this.

This didn't wow me.

It might be because I've read so many books like this; a duplicitous husband, a clueless spouse (almost always a woman), a character who arrives to help who becomes a new love interest (trademark Mary Higgins Clark, I almost forgot).

I thought Melissa was a silly, unlikable protagonist.

I had to remind myself she was a lawyer because despite her apparent intelligence, she's really dumb.

She's book smart, but not street smart.

Her family, friends, and con man husband repeatedly reference her dopey mantra: choose to be happy.

That has to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

Choose to be happy sounds like ignoring the rest of your feelings, feelings you're entitled to feel and deal with.

I can't believe any woman would marry a man without knowing the circumstances and details behind his first wife's death or not knowing anything about his company or what he does for a living.

Like so many typical cliches in these types of books, Melissa and her fiance marry after just 10 months of knowing each other.

A dead giveaway this marriage isn't going to work.

I even guessed the identity of one of the accomplices, but like I said, I've read a lot of these books since my first Mary Higgins Clark book.

It takes a lot to trick me and throw me off my game.

Consistent with a Mary Higgins Clark book (it's been awhile since I've read one so I've forgotten this is also a trademark of hers), there are nearly a dozen POVs from supporting and minor characters, the police, neighbors, people that only show up in a sentence or two from five chapters ago.

I did like Nancy and Mike.

I always love reading about supportive family and sibs, though the narrative did lean heavily on how much Melissa missed her father after his death, which I understand.

But it was mentioned often enough that I wondered if the authors wanted the readers to realize Melissa's grief made her fall for a con man, and that should excuse her poor choices.

This came nothing close to the original, eons apart from each other, but I'll always hold Mary Higgins Clark in high regard for being one of my favorite suspense authors when I was young.

[Rob Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t remember the last time I finished two books in the same day. Not that I read either of them that quickly. Far from it. This morning I finished and reviewed a poetry book I’d been slogging through for over two months. And just now I turned the last page of this mystery that took me five days to plow through.

At first the title, Where Are the Children Now?, seemed misleading as only one child goes missing in this book (not a spoiler…it happens pretty early on and this crime is mentioned in the book’s dustflap), but then I realized it could refer to the children in the original book, Melissa and Mike; they are the protagonists of this book, and we indeed find out where they are (as adults) now 🙂.

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel, which I quite frankly went into with very low expectations. A sequel to a classic thriller mostly written by another author felt more like a marketing ploy than the makings of an enjoyable, well-written book.

As with the original, the writing is serviceable, getting the job done even if it is a bit clunky and awkward at times. It proffered a likeable if cardboardy cast of characters and an engaging, well-paced albeit convoluted and unlikely plot, one with several twists I did not see coming. Kept me guessing and turning pages.

When you're in the mood for a quick thriller, this would be a good choice. If you haven’t read the original at all (or even lately….it came out fifty years ago!) perhaps (re-)read it first, like I did. It will add to your enjoyment of both.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lawyer turned successful podcaster; Melissa has recently married a man whose first wife died tragically, leaving him and their young daughter, Riley, behind. While Melisa and her brother, Mike, help their mom, Nancy relocate from Cape Cod to the equally idyllic Hamptons. Melissa's new stepdaughter goes missing. Drawing on the experience of their own abduction, Melissa and Mike race to find Riley to save her from the trauma they still struggle with - or worse.

I loved Mary Higgins Clark's Where Are The Children, so when I saw there was a sequel, I had to get myself a copy. Melissa and Mike are now adults and still carrying around some of the trauma they went through when they were abducted. Now Melissa's stepdaughter had been abducted. It's almost forty years since the events that took place in the first book. some parts are a bit predictable, but that doesn't spoil my enjoyment of a good book. I was soon fully invested in this story. Alafair Burke has done a great job in finishing this sequel after Mary Higgins Clark's passing.

#LibraryBook

[Lackof_shelf_control · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I reread the first book before reading this one, they did a great job of catching you up/refreshing your memory of the first book. I like how they adapted the plot to reflect the change in times since the first novel. Melissa being a podcaster was a great nod to that and I like that that wasn’t the focal point of this story. The case she covers on her podcast (although fictional) is very similar to Kyron Horman’s real life disappearance and as a true crime fan- I enjoyed the subtle nod. Also, I loved that they included characters that were outside of the core family from the original novel. As I began, I thought I had this fully figured out and was disappointed. I kept reading in hopes I was wrong and boy was I!!! Loved loved loved how fluidly things unfolded. Sometimes authors add twists that don’t fully connect all the dots or don’t seem relevant, but this all came together beautifully. As a long time Mary Higgins Clark fan, I am curious how much was written posthumously. Alafair Burke is a great author and I think their work together speaks volumes to their skills.


📖 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ @simonbooks ᴀɴᴅ @netgalley ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʀᴄ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
Great characters and story, kept me guessing.

[Rhonda 🌒🌕🌘 🐈‍⬛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🌟
3/5 ❤️‍🩹
1/5 🥰
0/5 🌶️
4/5 🔎
3/5 😰A
2/5 🎭T
0/5 👻

⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️

Kidnapping
Child Death
Toxic Relationship
Murder
Gaslighting
Framing
Child Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Sexual Assault
Confinement
Domestic Abuse
Pedophilia
Violence
Stalking
Suicide
Gun Violence
Grief
Infidelity
Car Accident
Death of a Parent
Injury/Injury Detail
Medical Content
PTSD

🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️

The legacy of the “Queen of Suspense” continues with the highly anticipated follow-up to Mary Higgins Clark’s iconic novel Where Are The Children?, featuring the children of Nancy Harmon, facing peril once again as adults.

Of the fifty-six bestsellers the “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark published in her lifetime, Where Are the Children? was her biggest, selling millions of copies and forever transforming the genre of suspense fiction. In that story, a young California mother named Nancy Harmon was convicted of murdering her two children. Though released on a technicality, she was abandoned by her husband and became such a pariah in the media that she was forced to move across the country to Cape Cod, change her identity and appearance, and start a new life. Years later her two children from a second marriage, Mike and Melissa, would go missing, and Nancy yet again became the prime suspect—but this time, Nancy was able to confront the secrets buried in her past and rescue her kids from a dangerous predator.

Now, more than four decades since readers first met Nancy and her children, comes the thrilling sequel to the groundbreaking book that set the stage for future generations of psychological suspense novels. A lawyer turned successful podcaster, Melissa has recently married a man whose first wife died tragically, leaving him and their young daughter, Riley, behind. While Melissa and her brother, Mike, help their mom, Nancy, relocate from Cape Cod to the equally idyllic Hamptons, Melissa’s new stepdaughter goes missing. Drawing on the experience of their own abduction, Melissa and Mike race to find Riley to save her from the trauma they still struggle with—or worse.

Just like the original, Where Are the Children Now? keeps readers guessing and holding their breath until the very last page.

🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph

COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 241 REVIEWS

Moods
mysterious 93%
tense 66%
dark 44%
emotional 30%
adventurous 18%
challenging 8%
hopeful 6%
reflective 4%
sad 4%
relaxing 2%
Pace
fast 54%
medium 39%
slow 5%
Plot- or character-driven?
A mix: 55% | Plot: 37% | Character: 7%
Strong character development?
No: 45% | Yes: 33% | It's complicated: 20%
Loveable characters?
It's complicated: 40% | Yes: 30% | No: 28% | N/A: 2%
Diverse cast of characters?
No: 83% | It's complicated: 6% | Yes: 6% | N/A: 4%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 44% | It's complicated: 27% | No: 27%
Average rating
3.96

🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔

This book was something else. I feel so bad for Melissa. No one deserves to be targeted by a con artist but especially when the con hits so close to home. There is a reason why people say “With friends like that, you don’t need enemies” that statement is certainly true in this book. Sweet little Riley was oblivious as to what was happening and will not have PTSD the way Melissa does.

RATING KEY:

🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️‍🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared/Anxious - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy/Tragedy- based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
👻 Spooky/Creepy -based on if this had any occult or paranormal themes and if those elements creeped me out or gave me anxiety!

[theliterateleprechaun]

Didn't hold my interest despite several attempts to pick it up and read.

I'm returning it to the library and will try again at a later date....hence, no rating nor review.

[Bec (becbingesbooks) - sorry, behind with lots of catching up to do · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was younger, Mary Higgins Clark was my absolute favorite author. Somewhere in the mid 2000s, though, her writing shifted and I stopped reading her new releases. When I learned a sequel to Where Are the Children was coming out, I went back and forth on reading it. I reread the original (which is still a fantastic read) in preparation, which I now think I shouldn't have done. Where Are the Children Now just doesn't compare. I realize I'm in the minority, but truthfully this didn't read like a MHC book. I haven't read any of Clark and Burke's other collaborations, and I probably won't. I guess the reality is that some stories just don't need sequels.

I received an advance reader copy of this title from the publisher.

[Kori Potenzone · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother has always been a strong influence in my life . She had me reading as soon as I could talk. She tells stories on how when she took me to DisneyWorld as a child, all I wanted as a souvenir was the phone book that came in our hotel room. Mind you I was 3.

She would tell her friends I was a storyteller (a gentle way of saying I was a fibber) I lived out my books in real life… I had pet unicorns, my name was Cinderella, my dad could fly and my brother was delivered via stork.

As I got older, I read what my mom read. So when all the kids were bringing in Dr Seuss to read aloud, I was bringing in Mary Higgins Clark .

This week, while spending time at the beach house, I wanted to feel that once homey feel of a good book and warm cup of coffee, so I began reading Where Are The Children Now.

Boy of boy was I in for a wild ride. They say wine is better aged, so is Ms. Higgins Clark.

Mary Higgins Clark set the bar for all thriller writers to come. Where Are The Children, is and always will be, one of my favorite books. The story continues with Where Are The Children Now.

Although I do recommend reading Where Are The Children, first, you can read this one as a standalone and still be able to easily follow along. The pace is set, the details bring the story to life, the character development is executed with precision and the twist is WILD and will leave you begging for your next breath.

I also have to add that this was co-written by Alafair Burke and I could have not have asked for a better collaboration. Talent, is one thing Burke does not lack.

Where Are The Children Now, releases Tuesday April 18, 2023 and I highly recommend you pre-ordering yourself a copy.

Synopsis :

Of the fifty-six bestsellers the “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark published in her lifetime, Where Are the Children? was her biggest, selling millions of copies and forever transforming the genre of suspense fiction. In that story, a young California mother named Nancy Harmon was convicted of murdering her two children. Though released on a technicality, she was abandoned by her husband and became such a pariah in the media that she was forced to move across the country to Cape Cod, change her identity and appearance, and start a new life. Years later her two children from a second marriage, Mike and Melissa, would go missing, and Nancy yet again became the prime suspect—but this time, Nancy was able to confront the secrets buried in her past and rescue her kids from a dangerous predator.

Now, more than four decades since readers first met Nancy and her children, comes the thrilling sequel to the groundbreaking book that set the stage for future generations of psychological suspense novels. A lawyer turned successful podcaster, Melissa has recently married a man whose first wife died tragically, leaving him and their young daughter, Riley, behind. While Melissa and her brother, Mike, help their mom, Nancy, relocate from Cape Cod to the equally idyllic Hamptons, Melissa’s new stepdaughter goes missing. Drawing on the experience of their own abduction, Melissa and Mike race to find Riley to save her from the trauma they still struggle with—or worse.

Just like the original, Where Are the Children Now? keeps readers guessing and holding their breath until the very last page.

[Melody McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book with low expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised! It was much more riveting than I anticipated, especially toward the end. I wasn't expecting all the twists, and I was really amazed by how the plot took a turn and surprised me with the outcome. Kudos to Alafair Burke for turning out a worthy sequel to one of the best domestic suspense books ever written!

[cluedupreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good luck putting this book down, once it gets moving (no pun intended 🏠📦🚛).

Although the retelling of the first story throughout this one (so that it can be read as a standalone) breaks its stride and the plot is predictable, it's still a heart-in-your-throat read!

Manhattanites/Hamptonites will enjoy the POIs and references, and MHC fans will appreciate Alafair Burke (who coauthored the Under Suspicion series with her) writing as if she channeled the Queen of Suspense.

3.5 stars

[MARY L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many coincidences make this book unbelievable. Two kidnappings of a brother and sister forty years apart, a famous podcast lawyer marrying someone she knew so little about, a broken engagement and a friend's betrayal were too much! At least the book was a quick read.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mary Higgins Clark passed away, I was so sad thinking I would just have to rely on her extensive body of work for my mystery enjoyment. Luckily, this gem was in the works! Where Are the Children Now exemplifies why Mary Higgins Clark was the “queen of suspense.” Her coauthor-ship with Alafair Burke only serves to make her stories even better. As a sequel to her first and best selling book Where Are the Children, this book takes the reader on just as many twists and turns. I admit I devoured it in a day because it was so hard to put down.

The mystery is laid out in Mary Higgins Clark’s signature fashion introducing all the characters including the mysterious would-be killer’s point of view. In the first book, Melissa and Mike were children and the victims of a cruel kidnapper. Now all grown up, Melissa is a successful attorney with her own podcast and getting ready to marry. Devastated after her father’s death, she agrees to go to counseling to not only deal with her grief but also the unresolved issues of her kidnapping. This is where she meets her future husband whose wife died in a tragic accident in Norway and is survived by two year old daughter Riley.

Despite her brother’s misgivings, Melissa marries Charlie and takes on the role of stepmother. When Riley goes missing in circumstances eerily similar to Melissa’s own kidnapping, she’s viewed as the number one suspect. In a race against time, Melissa tries to use every means necessary to find her stepdaughter and prove her innocence before it’s too late.

I have to say this mystery pulled me in and kept me guessing the whole time. The authors do a fantastic job casting suspicion on everyone, even Melissa herself. The suspense builds and builds until the dramatic, shocking conclusion that I honestly didn’t predict. It’s a fantastic sequel to the original and a must read for Mary Higgins Clark fans.

Don’t worry if you haven’t read the original Where Are the Children, this can definitely be read as a standalone. The authors do a fantastic job providing enough detail from the previous novel that readers can easily be brought up to speed. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given.

Content warning: mentions of child abuse, mild infrequent swearing, mild violence.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher.

5 stars

First, I want to start by saying that I did not read the prequel to this novel, Where are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark. This book provided enough context that reading Where are the Children? is not essential to reading this one. The reader will not be lost by skipping the first book. I appreciate any series like this because I like to just jump in and start reading wherever I want.

I loved this book. I really liked the main character, Melissa, and could relate to her. I liked reading about her career as a lawyer and how that evolved into hosting a true crime podcast. Melissa's career trajectory seemed realistic and relevant to many media creators today. It's as if Melissa could be someone many of us know from a podcast that's popular now.

Overall, I liked that the book was kept mostly realistic. I tend to gravitate more towards books like this. I don't enjoy outlandish scenarios that could never actually happen. This was a quick read and shouldn't be too difficult for a wide range of readers. The plot was easy to get into. This book would be perfect for reading by the pool or on the beach.

I did not expect the ending. I would have liked the authors to expand more about a certain person's reasoning for why they did what they did, but I also understand the reason for not including more. (I don't want to post any spoilers.) I will definitely be picking up a copy of the original book Where are the Children? to read in the future.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a complimentary copy of this novel! All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I requested this book not even realizing this was a sequel. So before reading this novel I had to go back and read the first one by Mary Higgins Clark, “Where Are the Children?”. You don’t have to read the first one to understand this sequel, but I highly recommend you do! They don’t call Mary Higgins Clark “The Queen of Suspense” for nothing!!! These are the first two books I’ve read of hers I’ll be honest, but I was not disappointed at all!!! I’m hooked! This second novel is co-authored with Alafair Burke. I’ve read some of hers too and she doesn’t disappoint either!!! Where Are the Children Now will be available April 18, 2023! You will be in the edge of your seat and won’t want to put this book down until you’ve read the last page!!! The ending was a complete and total shocker!!!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I was so excited to get this ARC since I was a young mother when I read Mary Higgins Clark's biggest, best-selling book, Where Are The Children? It was so good and was a book you really never forget. However, you don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one. They do a great job of giving you enough background information so you aren't lost. The children from that book are now grown. Melissa has recently married and has a 3 year old step-daughter. Mike has come up for the wedding and they are both helping their mother, Nancy, relocate from Cape Cod to the Hamptons. I was heartbroken when Mary Higgins Clark died, but this book written with Alafair Burke (an amazing writer!) was everything you could want in a great suspense book. Recommended!

[Katie Hansford · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 ⭐️ for Where Are The Children Now?

Mary Higgins Clark was one of the first adult authors I read when I was a teenager and her books started my love for mysteries and thrillers. I remember reading Where are the Children? in high school, so this was such an amazing opportunity to get an advanced copy of the follow up book.

Burke did an amazing job honoring the first book and I thought it was a great, fast paced thriller. I liked the characters, the story and the twist. I don’t think anyone would need to go back and read the first to enjoy this one either!

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this book!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I missed the height of Mary Higgins Clark's popularity but I thought it was cool when a contemporary mystery/thriller author wrote a spin off based on characters from MHC's best-selling book. Having never read Where are the children didn't detract from my enjoyment of this latest mystery/thriller that sees former kidnap victim Melissa become a suspect when her stepdaughter goes mysteriously missing. Twisty and great for fans of true podcast crime stories. I loved the audiobook narration by one of my fav narrators, January LaVoy too. Many thanks to Librofm for an ALC since I likely wouldn't have picked this one up otherwise.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW? took me back to middle school, when WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN? was first published. It was my first grownup mystery/thriller, my transition from Nancy Drew to adult books. YA was barely a category and other than Lois Duncan, I don’t remember any similar books.

I reread (for the umteenth time) WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN? right before the release of WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW? and had all the same feelings. Each book can be read as standalone or together.

I don’t want to give away any secrets only to say WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW? kept me guessing until the end. A must read for MHC fans.