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Just Take My Heart
After famous actress Natalie Raines is found in her home, dying from a gunshot wound, police immediately suspect her theatrical agent and jealous soon-to-be-ex-husband, Gregg Aldrich. But no charges are brought against him until two years later, when a career criminal suddenly claims Aldrich had tried to hire him to kill her.
The case is a plum assignment for attractive thirty-two-year-old assistant prosecutor Emily Wallace. She spends long hours preparing for the trial, and unaware of a seemingly well-meaning neighbor’s violent past, gives him a key to her home to care for her dog.
The high-profile trial makes headlines, threatening to reveal personal matters about Emily, such as the fact that she had a heart transplant— especially when she experiences eerie sentiments that defy all reason and continue even after the jury decides Gregg Aldrich’s fate.
But little does she know, now her own life is at risk. . . .
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2009
1463 people are currently reading
5530 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 1,394 reviews
June 16, 2021
Eine berühmte Schauspielerin wird ermordet. Staatsanwältin Emily Wallace leitet das Anklageverfahren gegen den Hauptverdächtigen: den Ehemann der Toten. Sie erkennt nicht, dass es eine unheimliche Verbindung zwischen ihr und der toten Schauspielerin gibt...
**
Also, dieses Buch hat mir schon gefallen; es liest sich recht flüssig. Aber wirkliche Spannung kam nicht immer auf.
Ich habe schon andere Bücher von Mary Higgins Clark gelesen, die mich mehr packen konnten.
**
Also, dieses Buch hat mir schon gefallen; es liest sich recht flüssig. Aber wirkliche Spannung kam nicht immer auf.
Ich habe schon andere Bücher von Mary Higgins Clark gelesen, die mich mehr packen konnten.
January 8, 2021
I am not usually a fan of courtroom dramas but this one moved at a good pace and was interesting without being overly dramatic.
Just Take My Heart is not a long book but it has a lot packed in it. The main story is a murder and a trial but there is a side story of a serial killer which gives the reader plenty to think about. The reason for the murders and the ultimate culprit surprised me which was nice. I like a bit of a shock at the end of a good mystery.
I must admit that there are way too many coincidences in the course of the story and the reason for the title is way too silly, but it is still a good read.
Just Take My Heart is not a long book but it has a lot packed in it. The main story is a murder and a trial but there is a side story of a serial killer which gives the reader plenty to think about. The reason for the murders and the ultimate culprit surprised me which was nice. I like a bit of a shock at the end of a good mystery.
I must admit that there are way too many coincidences in the course of the story and the reason for the title is way too silly, but it is still a good read.
May 8, 2018
Mary Higgins Clark never disappoints her readers and once again she has written another fast paced novel that will have you turning the pages at great speed.
Just Take My Heart is action packed with mystery, crime, suspense and courtroom drama that will keep you guessing till the end. A compelling read which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a fan of this author then make sure you don't overlook this one. Highly recommended.
Just Take My Heart is action packed with mystery, crime, suspense and courtroom drama that will keep you guessing till the end. A compelling read which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a fan of this author then make sure you don't overlook this one. Highly recommended.
September 3, 2020
There's a reason why Mary Higgins Clark was known as The Queen of Suspense!
Sadly, the world lost one of the best mystery writers of all time in January of 2020.
I love her books and they are worth reading more than once!
Just Take My Heart is an exciting, page turning story from beginning to the shocking conclusion! What a twist at the end!
Sadly, the world lost one of the best mystery writers of all time in January of 2020.
I love her books and they are worth reading more than once!
Just Take My Heart is an exciting, page turning story from beginning to the shocking conclusion! What a twist at the end!
April 3, 2019
Pretty good but had a lot going on and was covering too much for the size of the book. There were some good twists and turns but for the most part just too much going on in this size book. Still a good quick, read.
My quick and simple overall: good but a bit too busy.
My quick and simple overall: good but a bit too busy.
June 21, 2009
Okay, so Mary Higgins Clark has been my all-time favorite author practically my whole reading lifetime. I would stay up all night reading her latest book and then re-read all of her old ones. I guess, all of my goodread friends and all your great recommendations for books that I've been reading has put a little damper on poor Mary Higgins... her books just pale in comparison. I will admit that I did stay up late to finish it, but it was pretty predictable and way too cheesy (I know, you would never think that with a title like "Just Take My Heart", but it's true. I'm sad to say, I've moved on...that's not to say that I won't read any of her new novels, I just won't be putting her up there with the great authors of our time.
August 20, 2018
Just Take My Heart was slow to get going and the trial took up the first half. I don't really like reading long drawn out trials. Also this book is full of coincidences, just unbelievably full of them. There is the heart transplant; the prosecutor knowing the killer; the delivery man who just happened to both meet the guy on trial for murder and make a delivery to his apartment; Natalie who just happens to meet the killer of her roommate from many years earlier, and even recognizes him from a small snapshot she briefly saw many years ago; two killers that happen to be in the same place at once; too many people watch the same two shows on TV even though there are hundreds of shows on TV to choose from.
It also seems like this book consisted of ideas for two separate books and for some reason Clark put them both into one. I pretty much figured out who killed Jamie and Natalie well before the book ended. Despite my complaints about this book I will probably still continue to read more books by Mary Higgins Clark, but probably not as many or as often.
It also seems like this book consisted of ideas for two separate books and for some reason Clark put them both into one. I pretty much figured out who killed Jamie and Natalie well before the book ended. Despite my complaints about this book I will probably still continue to read more books by Mary Higgins Clark, but probably not as many or as often.
December 25, 2021
What a plot twist! Wow! Mary Higgins Clark is simply the best.
January 19, 2018
Just Take My Heart is a book about a correction in law enforcement and the legal profession. Emily Wallace caught her first major case as an assistant prosecutor after coming back to work after having a heart operation. However, the prosecuting of Gregg Aldrich for the murder of his ex-wife was not as straightforward as first thought by Emily. The readers of Just Take My Heart will follow the legal battle to see what happens to Emily Wallace and Gregg Aldrich.
I enjoyed reading Just Take My Heart. Mary Higgins Clark does a great job of ensuring that I am involved with the plot. I like the way Mary Higgins Clark puts the twist and turns into Just Take My Heart. I love Mary Higgins Clark portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines then throughout Just Take My Heart.
The readers of Just Take My Heart will learn about donor's traits and memories in the recipient of a heart transplant. Also, the readers of Just Take My Heart will understand the legal problems when someone accused of a murder they did not comment. Just Take My Heart highlights correction in the legal system and the way it can affect everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Just Take My Heart. Mary Higgins Clark does a great job of ensuring that I am involved with the plot. I like the way Mary Higgins Clark puts the twist and turns into Just Take My Heart. I love Mary Higgins Clark portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines then throughout Just Take My Heart.
The readers of Just Take My Heart will learn about donor's traits and memories in the recipient of a heart transplant. Also, the readers of Just Take My Heart will understand the legal problems when someone accused of a murder they did not comment. Just Take My Heart highlights correction in the legal system and the way it can affect everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
February 13, 2020
Gregg Aldrich is indicted for the murder of his wife and actress Natalie Rains . Everything points to his guilt, until the prosecuting attorney Emily Wallace digs into the files and realizes her life is in danger.
Now everything has changed.
Now everything has changed.
June 21, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this book. I found this to be a little different from her other mystery novels, and I have read all of them.
In this one, Emily Wallace is a prosecutor trying a man for murder but is fighting with her inner feelings of his innocence. Her star witness is not exactly credible. What would you do if you were facing 10 years jail time? She is also a heart transplant patient and a war widow. Lives by herself in a small, New Jersey town next to an older man who she is not exactly sure is very credible as well. Whodunnit???
Clark adds alot more into this beside's a murder trial and trying to solve a mystery. I think I enjoyed this more than her other mysteries.
In this one, Emily Wallace is a prosecutor trying a man for murder but is fighting with her inner feelings of his innocence. Her star witness is not exactly credible. What would you do if you were facing 10 years jail time? She is also a heart transplant patient and a war widow. Lives by herself in a small, New Jersey town next to an older man who she is not exactly sure is very credible as well. Whodunnit???
Clark adds alot more into this beside's a murder trial and trying to solve a mystery. I think I enjoyed this more than her other mysteries.
January 2, 2023
Even though this book was horribly cheesy, I could NOT tear my eyes away because of all the drama and utter silliness at times.
Higgins Clark created a realistic portrayal of a courtroom proceeding regarding the murder of a semi-famous theatre star, however, that was the only thing realistic about this book. The obsessive, creepy next-door-neighbour Zach was way too over the top and I found all the scenes to do with him so annoying. As if a high powered prosecutor would let her creepy neighbour have a key to her home... unlikely. As if he would rip out a whole walkway worth of mums and replant different flowers within a night. I utterly despised this stupid ass character, sorry Mary.
The climax at the end happened on the second last page which was totally laughable in the way things played out. It was uber disappointing tbh and I wish Higgins Clark would have spent more time on the ending.
2 stars. Kind of wouldn't recommend.
Higgins Clark created a realistic portrayal of a courtroom proceeding regarding the murder of a semi-famous theatre star, however, that was the only thing realistic about this book. The obsessive, creepy next-door-neighbour Zach was way too over the top and I found all the scenes to do with him so annoying. As if a high powered prosecutor would let her creepy neighbour have a key to her home... unlikely. As if he would rip out a whole walkway worth of mums and replant different flowers within a night. I utterly despised this stupid ass character, sorry Mary.
The climax at the end happened on the second last page which was totally laughable in the way things played out. It was uber disappointing tbh and I wish Higgins Clark would have spent more time on the ending.
2 stars. Kind of wouldn't recommend.
February 7, 2016
Este libro tiene más un componente psicológico que de suspense, con esto no quiero decir que el suspense no está ahí, que lo está, pero realmente no hace verdaderamente su aparición hasta muy hacia el final puesto que desde el principio sabemos que Gregg no es el asesino aunque no tenemos ninguna pista que nos pueda llevar hasta el verdadero culpable.
Digo que tiene un fuerte componente psicológico porque vemos como se siente la protagonista mientras hace su trabajo de fiscal como se extenúa y lucha, como el caso le pasa factura, y también vemos el dolor de la hija de Gregg y nos ponemos en la piel de este último enfrentándose a una vida entre rejas por un crimen que no cometió.
Sin embargo, definitivamente el personaje más logrado es el de Zach, con su mente de perturbado y su lógica fría y retorcida que mantuvo hasta el final.
Por otro lado, la autora ha tratado, aunque superficialmente, el tema de la memoria celular algo sobre lo que la comunidad científica sigue sin ponerse de acuerdo sobre si realmente existe o es sólo producto de la imaginación hiperdesarrollada de quienes pasan por el trauma que supone someterse a un transplante. Por eso, la forma de tratarlo, haciendolo ver de pasada pero sin profundizar mucho en el tema me ha parecido acertado, hace ver que está pero lo deja ahí.
En general, me ha gustado porque tengo debilidad sobre los libros de abogados, especialmente si la protagonista es abogada, pero reconozco que no es lo mejor que he leído de la autora. Se centra demasiado en el juicio, hasta el punto de que descuida un poco la parte de suspense. Soy consciente de que el personaje de Zach palia eso un poco, pero sobre lo que realmente quería saber era sobre el caso principal.
Aún así le doy 4 estrellas (3,5 en realidad) porque el libro entretiene, se lee rápido y en ningún momento se hace pesado. Además, al comenzar a leerlo me he dado cuenta de que ya lo había leído, mucho tiempo atrás, y he seguido ley��ndolo y si aún siendo un libro de suspense (que pierden la gracia cuando recuerdas buena parte de la trama) ha conseguido que lo vuelva a leer es que no es malo.
Digo que tiene un fuerte componente psicológico porque vemos como se siente la protagonista mientras hace su trabajo de fiscal como se extenúa y lucha, como el caso le pasa factura, y también vemos el dolor de la hija de Gregg y nos ponemos en la piel de este último enfrentándose a una vida entre rejas por un crimen que no cometió.
Sin embargo, definitivamente el personaje más logrado es el de Zach, con su mente de perturbado y su lógica fría y retorcida que mantuvo hasta el final.
Por otro lado, la autora ha tratado, aunque superficialmente, el tema de la memoria celular algo sobre lo que la comunidad científica sigue sin ponerse de acuerdo sobre si realmente existe o es sólo producto de la imaginación hiperdesarrollada de quienes pasan por el trauma que supone someterse a un transplante. Por eso, la forma de tratarlo, haciendolo ver de pasada pero sin profundizar mucho en el tema me ha parecido acertado, hace ver que está pero lo deja ahí.
En general, me ha gustado porque tengo debilidad sobre los libros de abogados, especialmente si la protagonista es abogada, pero reconozco que no es lo mejor que he leído de la autora. Se centra demasiado en el juicio, hasta el punto de que descuida un poco la parte de suspense. Soy consciente de que el personaje de Zach palia eso un poco, pero sobre lo que realmente quería saber era sobre el caso principal.
Aún así le doy 4 estrellas (3,5 en realidad) porque el libro entretiene, se lee rápido y en ningún momento se hace pesado. Además, al comenzar a leerlo me he dado cuenta de que ya lo había leído, mucho tiempo atrás, y he seguido ley��ndolo y si aún siendo un libro de suspense (que pierden la gracia cuando recuerdas buena parte de la trama) ha conseguido que lo vuelva a leer es que no es malo.
December 19, 2015
Pretty much a typical Mary Higgins Clark book. I never quite have them all figured out, and that was true with this one too. It was a fun, easy read, and I love that her books are always clean reads.
June 1, 2025
This is the first Mary Higgins Clark that I've read. I can now understand why she has such a following. This was an entertaining thriller with a significant courtroom drama serving as the nexus for all the subplots. Speaking of subplots - there were just too many for my taste and a couple of them were a little too far fetched for my liking. Despite my concerns, I still think this was a strong four star read.
August 2, 2013
This was pretty terrible. I think a big part of that is because I some how ended up with the abridged audiobook so I'm going to bump it up a star because I think it would be better if it wasn't abridged. But the book was so jumpy (again, I'm guessing that's the abridgement) but I also just really didn't like Emily, the main character.
I'd also point out that the whole stalker thing is pretty much word for word the same as one of Mary Higgins Clark's other books On the Street Where You Live. I'm sort of imagining her sitting to write this and thinking "You know what's a good idea, the main character has a stalker and in the end, the stalker has a showdown with the other bad guy." Not realizing that sure that's a good idea, also one she's done before. Poor Mary Higgins Clark. She turns out books so fast she has to reuse major plot points.
Finally, the whole organ donation thing was ridiculous. They were pretty clear that Natalie was shot and slowly bleed to death. There's no way her organs were still good to donate.
I'd also point out that the whole stalker thing is pretty much word for word the same as one of Mary Higgins Clark's other books On the Street Where You Live. I'm sort of imagining her sitting to write this and thinking "You know what's a good idea, the main character has a stalker and in the end, the stalker has a showdown with the other bad guy." Not realizing that sure that's a good idea, also one she's done before. Poor Mary Higgins Clark. She turns out books so fast she has to reuse major plot points.
Finally, the whole organ donation thing was ridiculous. They were pretty clear that Natalie was shot and slowly bleed to death. There's no way her organs were still good to donate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
Γνώρισα την Mary Higgins-Clark μέσα από το βιβλίο της "Ένοχη νύχτα", που για κάποιον παράλογο λόγο είχε κυκλοφορήσει στη Χρυσή Σειρά των εκδόσεων Μεταίχμιο, μια επιλογή μάλλον ατυχής αφού, στην πραγματικότητα, η εν λόγω συγγραφέας ασχολείται με την συγγραφή μυθιστορημάτων που τείνουν περισσότερο στην αστυνομική κατηγορία, παρά σε οποιαδήποτε άλλη. Ως εκ τούτου, η προαναφερόμενη επιλογή του εκδοτικού, με είχε επηρεάσει -λανθασμένα- και περίμενα να διαβάσω κάτι διαφορετικό από αυτό που τελικά ήταν το βιβλίο, κάτι που αποτέλεσε για μένα μια εξαιρετικά ευχάριστη έκπληξη. Φέτος, οι εκδόσεις Μεταίχμιο, επέστρεψαν με ένα ακόμη βιβλίο της συγγραφέως το οποίο -ευτυχώς- δεν φέρει την "χρυσή" ταμπέλα, και που παρά το γλυκανάλατο εξώφυλλό του, κρύβει μια ιδιαίτερα ενδιαφέρουσα ιστορία.
Όλα ξεκινάνε όταν η Νάταλι Ρέινς, διάσημο αστέρι του Μπρόντγουεϊ, βρίσκεται νεκρή στο σπίτι της. Όλα τα στοιχεία μαρτυρούν πως πρόκειται για δολοφονία, και στο στόχαστρο της αστυνομίας μπαίνει ο εν διαστάσει σύζυγός της και ατζέντης της, που θεωρείται ο βασικός ύποπτος. Ωστόσο, κατηγορίες δεν του απαγγέλλονται παρά μονάχα δύο χρόνια αργότερα, όταν ένας επαγγελματίας δολοφόνος εμφανίζεται από το πουθενά και δηλώνει πως ο Γκρεγκ τον προσέλαβε για να βγάλει τη γυναίκα του από τη μέση. Η εισαγγελέας Έιμι Γουάλας είναι εκείνη που αναλαμβάνει την πολύκροτη δίκη, και παρά που προσπαθεί να κάνει την δουλειά της βάσει λογικής, έρχεται αντιμέτωπη με τα συναισθήματά της που την οδηγούν σε παράξενα μονοπάτια που ποτέ της δεν φανταζόταν πως θα βρισκόταν, δίνοντας άλλη διάσταση στην όλη υπόθεση.
Τα βιβλία της Clark, στην πλειοψηφία τους, χαρακτηρίζονται από το πάντρεμα περιπέτειας, αστυνομικού-δικαστικού θρίλερ και του ρομαντικού στοιχείου. Στην προκειμένη περίπτωση, το ρομαντικό στοιχείο απουσιάζει εντελώς από το βιβλίο αυτό, πράγμα που ίσως να ξένισε κάπως τους φανατικούς αναγνώστες της, όχι όμως κι εμένα, που σαφέστατα προτιμώ να απολαμβάνω ένα καθαρόαιμο αστυνομικό-δικαστικό δράμα, με ό,τι αυτό συνεπάγεται. Και μπορεί από την περίληψη και μόνο να υποψιαζόμαστε ορισμένα βασικά στοιχεία της πλοκής, όμως αυτό δεν στέκεται ικανό να χαλάσει το ευρύτερο κλίμα αγωνίας και περιπέτειας που διακατέχει το βιβλίο, αφού οι ανατροπές είναι πάρα πολλές, όπως και οι εκπλήξεις που αναγκάζουν την πλοκή να αλλάξει κατεύθυνση, ώστε να μας οδηγήσει στην κορύφωση του δράματος μέσω ενός φινάλε που οι περισσότεροι δεν περιμέναμε.
Το κείμενο είναι εξαιρετικά καλογραμμένο, η πλοκή σφιχτή και καλοδουλεμένη έτσι ώστε η αγωνία μας να εντείνεται όλο και περισσότερο, καθιστώντας την ανάγνωση όχι απλά μεθυστική, αλλά μια εμπειρία έντονη και δυνατή, που καθιστά σχεδόν αδύνατον το να αφήσεις το βιβλίο από τα χέρια σου, όχι τουλάχιστον πριν να φτάσεις στην τελευταία του σελίδα. Η μοναδική μου ένταση έχει να κάνει με το χτίσιμο και την ανάπτυξη ορισμένων χαρακτήρων έναντι άλλων, που φαντάζει κάπως πιο ομαλή και άνευρη απ' όσο ίσως θα μπορούσε να είναι, αφού το βάθος τους είναι στην πραγματικότητα αρκετά επιφανειακό. Βέβαια, επειδή η ουσία της ιστορίας βρίσκεται αλλού και όχι τόσο πολύ στους ίδιους τους χαρακτήρες, είναι κάτι που μπορούμε σε έναν βαθμό να συγχωρήσουμε, ή ακόμα και να παραβλέψουμε.
Η "Δανεική καρδιά" είναι μια ιστορία που παντρεύει το μεταφυσικό στοιχείο με το ρεαλιστικό με τρόπο άρτιο και πολύ σωστά δομημένο. Σαφέστατα και υπάρχουν κάποιες ιατρικές ανακρίβειες, αλλά επειδή μιλάμε για μυθιστορία και όχι για εγκληματική ανάλυση πραγματικής έρευνας, είναι κάτι το οποίο λειτουργεί στα πλαίσια της εφικτής μεταποίησης μίας πραγματικότητας. Μια ιστορία άγρια αλλά και βαθιά συναισθηματική, χωρίς να αναλώνεται σε ρομαντισμούς που δεν έχουν θέση στην όλη εξέλιξη του δράματος της αποκάλυψης των πραγματικών γεγονότων πίσω από την δολοφονία της Νάταλι. Το ταξίδι της Έιμι μέχρι να φτάσει στην συγκλονιστική ανακάλυψη της αλήθειας που θα καθορίσει την έκβαση της δίκης αλλά και της ίδιας της τής ζωής, αποδεικνύεται γοητευτικό και καθηλωτικό, από την πρώτη μέχρι και την τελευταία λέξη, και αδιαμφισβήτητα θα το πρότεινα σε κάθε φανατικό είδους με την βεβαιότητα πως θα το απολαύσει όσο κι εγώ.
Όλα ξεκινάνε όταν η Νάταλι Ρέινς, διάσημο αστέρι του Μπρόντγουεϊ, βρίσκεται νεκρή στο σπίτι της. Όλα τα στοιχεία μαρτυρούν πως πρόκειται για δολοφονία, και στο στόχαστρο της αστυνομίας μπαίνει ο εν διαστάσει σύζυγός της και ατζέντης της, που θεωρείται ο βασικός ύποπτος. Ωστόσο, κατηγορίες δεν του απαγγέλλονται παρά μονάχα δύο χρόνια αργότερα, όταν ένας επαγγελματίας δολοφόνος εμφανίζεται από το πουθενά και δηλώνει πως ο Γκρεγκ τον προσέλαβε για να βγάλει τη γυναίκα του από τη μέση. Η εισαγγελέας Έιμι Γουάλας είναι εκείνη που αναλαμβάνει την πολύκροτη δίκη, και παρά που προσπαθεί να κάνει την δουλειά της βάσει λογικής, έρχεται αντιμέτωπη με τα συναισθήματά της που την οδηγούν σε παράξενα μονοπάτια που ποτέ της δεν φανταζόταν πως θα βρισκόταν, δίνοντας άλλη διάσταση στην όλη υπόθεση.
Τα βιβλία της Clark, στην πλειοψηφία τους, χαρακτηρίζονται από το πάντρεμα περιπέτειας, αστυνομικού-δικαστικού θρίλερ και του ρομαντικού στοιχείου. Στην προκειμένη περίπτωση, το ρομαντικό στοιχείο απουσιάζει εντελώς από το βιβλίο αυτό, πράγμα που ίσως να ξένισε κάπως τους φανατικούς αναγνώστες της, όχι όμως κι εμένα, που σαφέστατα προτιμώ να απολαμβάνω ένα καθαρόαιμο αστυνομικό-δικαστικό δράμα, με ό,τι αυτό συνεπάγεται. Και μπορεί από την περίληψη και μόνο να υποψιαζόμαστε ορισμένα βασικά στοιχεία της πλοκής, όμως αυτό δεν στέκεται ικανό να χαλάσει το ευρύτερο κλίμα αγωνίας και περιπέτειας που διακατέχει το βιβλίο, αφού οι ανατροπές είναι πάρα πολλές, όπως και οι εκπλήξεις που αναγκάζουν την πλοκή να αλλάξει κατεύθυνση, ώστε να μας οδηγήσει στην κορύφωση του δράματος μέσω ενός φινάλε που οι περισσότεροι δεν περιμέναμε.
Το κείμενο είναι εξαιρετικά καλογραμμένο, η πλοκή σφιχτή και καλοδουλεμένη έτσι ώστε η αγωνία μας να εντείνεται όλο και περισσότερο, καθιστώντας την ανάγνωση όχι απλά μεθυστική, αλλά μια εμπειρία έντονη και δυνατή, που καθιστά σχεδόν αδύνατον το να αφήσεις το βιβλίο από τα χέρια σου, όχι τουλάχιστον πριν να φτάσεις στην τελευταία του σελίδα. Η μοναδική μου ένταση έχει να κάνει με το χτίσιμο και την ανάπτυξη ορισμένων χαρακτήρων έναντι άλλων, που φαντάζει κάπως πιο ομαλή και άνευρη απ' όσο ίσως θα μπορούσε να είναι, αφού το βάθος τους είναι στην πραγματικότητα αρκετά επιφανειακό. Βέβαια, επειδή η ουσία της ιστορίας βρίσκεται αλλού και όχι τόσο πολύ στους ίδιους τους χαρακτήρες, είναι κάτι που μπορούμε σε έναν βαθμό να συγχωρήσουμε, ή ακόμα και να παραβλέψουμε.
Η "Δανεική καρδιά" είναι μια ιστορία που παντρεύει το μεταφυσικό στοιχείο με το ρεαλιστικό με τρόπο άρτιο και πολύ σωστά δομημένο. Σαφέστατα και υπάρχουν κάποιες ιατρικές ανακρίβειες, αλλά επειδή μιλάμε για μυθιστορία και όχι για εγκληματική ανάλυση πραγματικής έρευνας, είναι κάτι το οποίο λειτουργεί στα πλαίσια της εφικτής μεταποίησης μίας πραγματικότητας. Μια ιστορία άγρια αλλά και βαθιά συναισθηματική, χωρίς να αναλώνεται σε ρομαντισμούς που δεν έχουν θέση στην όλη εξέλιξη του δράματος της αποκάλυψης των πραγματικών γεγονότων πίσω από την δολοφονία της Νάταλι. Το ταξίδι της Έιμι μέχρι να φτάσει στην συγκλονιστική ανακάλυψη της αλήθειας που θα καθορίσει την έκβαση της δίκης αλλά και της ίδιας της τής ζωής, αποδεικνύεται γοητευτικό και καθηλωτικό, από την πρώτη μέχρι και την τελευταία λέξη, και αδιαμφισβήτητα θα το πρότεινα σε κάθε φανατικό είδους με την βεβαιότητα πως θα το απολαύσει όσο κι εγώ.
June 4, 2013
Do Fundo do Coração é o segundo livro que leio de MHG e graças a Deus que assim é... ou teria ficado seriamente traumatizada.
O livro tem uma capa muito apelativa e uma sinopse promissora...mas não foi nada do que estava à espera. Para começar 95% do livro está relacionado com o julgamento, o que me proporcionou uma leitura entediante [não gosto nada deste tema]
Os restantes 5% foram a grande razão porque o li até ao fim: a verdadeira identidade do assassino e o vizinho psicopata/assassino em série que estava em fuga. O problema? O que supostamente seria o ponto alto do livro, aquela parte que faz com que a adrenalina aumente a par e passo com a tensão e que culmina de forma woooow-foi-tão-bom-que-compensou-a-porcaria-que-foi-o-início-do-livro simplesmente não aconteceu. Não, meus amigos! O que a Cata aqui teve como recompensa por ter lido o livro todinho foi um valente banho de cubos de gelo. Vejam só:
*SPOILER ALERT*
A quatro páginas do fim , o verdadeiro assassino é revelado e assassinado de seguida pelo vizinho psicótico, que é preso logo de seguida. Sabe-se que homem que tinha ordenado o homicídio das actrizes é preso na página seguinte. Mais uma mísera página e o livro acaba.
Juro-vos que fiquei tão atarantada que abri o livro umas cinco vezes para me certificar que tinha visto bem e que tinha contado bem as páginas em que tudo se passou e só não o fiz uma sexta vez porque o estava a ler nos CTT e a mulher ao meu lado estava a olhar para mim como se eu fosse doida varrida.
É o primeiro livro que odeio, chego ao fim e dou 1* certinha. Não merece a meia estrela que normalmente atribuo só por ter chegado ao fim.
O livro tem uma capa muito apelativa e uma sinopse promissora...mas não foi nada do que estava à espera. Para começar 95% do livro está relacionado com o julgamento, o que me proporcionou uma leitura entediante [não gosto nada deste tema]
Os restantes 5% foram a grande razão porque o li até ao fim: a verdadeira identidade do assassino e o vizinho psicopata/assassino em série que estava em fuga. O problema? O que supostamente seria o ponto alto do livro, aquela parte que faz com que a adrenalina aumente a par e passo com a tensão e que culmina de forma woooow-foi-tão-bom-que-compensou-a-porcaria-que-foi-o-início-do-livro simplesmente não aconteceu. Não, meus amigos! O que a Cata aqui teve como recompensa por ter lido o livro todinho foi um valente banho de cubos de gelo. Vejam só:
*SPOILER ALERT*
A quatro páginas do fim , o verdadeiro assassino é revelado e assassinado de seguida pelo vizinho psicótico, que é preso logo de seguida. Sabe-se que homem que tinha ordenado o homicídio das actrizes é preso na página seguinte. Mais uma mísera página e o livro acaba.
Juro-vos que fiquei tão atarantada que abri o livro umas cinco vezes para me certificar que tinha visto bem e que tinha contado bem as páginas em que tudo se passou e só não o fiz uma sexta vez porque o estava a ler nos CTT e a mulher ao meu lado estava a olhar para mim como se eu fosse doida varrida.
É o primeiro livro que odeio, chego ao fim e dou 1* certinha. Não merece a meia estrela que normalmente atribuo só por ter chegado ao fim.
March 14, 2015
If I’m completely honest I’m not quite sure where I sit with this author. I enjoy her books as quick reads yet at the same time I feel as though I do not enjoy them quite as much as I enjoy other books in the genre. In fact, they only just make the four star rating (and I think that is because I’m a little bit too nice when handing out my ratings).
With this one I felt as though the large majority of the book focused upon what occurred in the court. I know this was necessary for all of the information but for me it felt as though the rest of the events in the book were rushed to prevent the book from being too long.
Another thing with this book is that it seemed a bit too much like other ideas by the author: someone is mistakenly accused of a crime and trying to prove their innocence and keep their freedom. It may have been a different storyline but the basic plot notion was pretty much the same. Furthermore, it seemed to be a case of coincidence after coincidence.
But, as I said, it works as a good quick read if nothing else.
With this one I felt as though the large majority of the book focused upon what occurred in the court. I know this was necessary for all of the information but for me it felt as though the rest of the events in the book were rushed to prevent the book from being too long.
Another thing with this book is that it seemed a bit too much like other ideas by the author: someone is mistakenly accused of a crime and trying to prove their innocence and keep their freedom. It may have been a different storyline but the basic plot notion was pretty much the same. Furthermore, it seemed to be a case of coincidence after coincidence.
But, as I said, it works as a good quick read if nothing else.
May 6, 2021
Read for a challenge, predictable, formula but fun.
July 9, 2009
Typical Mary Higgins Clark. I had not read her in years, but it was given to me by a friend. It just seemed to have too much in it. I was happy with the original story line of a prosecuter trying the actresses husband for her murder. The courtroom drama was going great, then a serial killer was thrown in as the prosecuter's neighbor. Thas sort of lost me for a minute. On top of that there was mentioned the heart transplant that she had had. You find out that the heart was donated by ... you guessed it! The dead actress!! All in all a entertaining few days.
June 12, 2016
I have not read Clark's books in a long time.
What would you do if your best friend was murdered? Fast forward 20 years later. The survivor was a great actress and yet, she was murdered. Did the same person commit a crime again?
Enter the proscecutor. Did she put the wrong person in jail?
This was an ok read; not the best. It piqued my interest in spots; just not enough to keep me up at night to finish it.
What would you do if your best friend was murdered? Fast forward 20 years later. The survivor was a great actress and yet, she was murdered. Did the same person commit a crime again?
Enter the proscecutor. Did she put the wrong person in jail?
This was an ok read; not the best. It piqued my interest in spots; just not enough to keep me up at night to finish it.
October 28, 2016
I haven't read anything by this author in years, and I'm so glad I grabbed this off my bookshelf. This book pulled me in from the first few pages. I kept guessing who murdered Natalie, going back and forth between this person and that one. I never figured out "whodunnit " until the author revealed it. I love when that happens!
May 15, 2025
I enjoy unwinding with a MHC novel, and this one was okay, but all the courtroom scenes were a bit mind-numbing. Also, the ending felt quite rushed. I enjoyed the twists and the villainy of the villain(s? I won't tell), but it fell pretty flat for me overall. But I always love her clothing/locale details and her interesting motivations for her killers. I'll probably veer back to Agatha Christie for my next comfort mystery. ;)
September 2, 2018
Mary Higgins Clark é uma escritora bem conhecida da minha estante! Para além do prestígio que lhe é conhecido em todo o mundo, as suas obras são sempre cheias de qualidade e com temas sempre muito variados e interessantes.
https://momentosdemagia.wordpress.com...
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January 30, 2019
I love Mary Higgins Clark. I love the suspense and getting sucked into the story. I think this storyline had a LOT going on, which was entertaining, but I didn’t like the pacing quite as much. There were some parts I felt like could’ve been more developed where other parts didn’t need to have so much time spent on it. Overall though, I enjoyed it.
May 2, 2020
Yes! Mary Higgins Clark does it again.
I stayed up late to finish this one up. I enjoyed the plot and sub-plot running together, here and there. It was a very creepy but, should I say a fun ride? Enjoy the read,
I stayed up late to finish this one up. I enjoyed the plot and sub-plot running together, here and there. It was a very creepy but, should I say a fun ride? Enjoy the read,
March 11, 2022
Pradžia buvo šiek tiek nuobodoka, bet vėliau įtraukė.
Spėliojau kas gi tas žudikas, bet turiu prisipažinti - neatspėjau 😁
Spėliojau kas gi tas žudikas, bet turiu prisipažinti - neatspėjau 😁
January 14, 2019
I loved MHC when I was in college, and this book didn’t disappoint! A great thriller and an easy read. 5 stars!
January 7, 2022
A good mystery story. Keeps you wondering what will happen next.
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