Piece of My Heart (Under Suspicion #7)

When author Mary Higgins Clark’s death was announced in January, 2020, I knew it would mean loss ( I did not realize it would also be a harbinger of the year to come). The announcement that there was one more Higgins Clark / Alafair Burke “Under Suspicion” book in the pipeline was amazing.

Receiving my pre-order of “Pieces of My Heart” on day one meant an all night read which did not disappoint. The collaboration of these authors is only surpassed by the matchup of the characters they have created. The matchup of Laurie Moran and Alex Buckley throughout the series has been building toward a Wedding Day throughout the series and is set to culminate in beachside nuptials.

However, when Higgins Clark and Burke plan an event there will be drama, suspense, mystery and danger. Pieces of My Heart does not disappoint. Caught up in the drama and the chase of the story, I rushed toward the climax.

Only when I reached the end did I realize the it was not only the culmination of a fantastic story, but also the closure of a 45 year connection to an amazing author. Thankfully, by reading the Under Suspicion series, I have become a fan of Alasdair Burke and look forward to continuing to devour her Dokie Hatcher series of books.

Oh, please, don’t let this be the last “Under Suspicion” story. The writing duo of Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke has hit another home run with “Piece of My Heart.” Regrettably, the great MHC passed away earlier this year. I hope Alafair Burke has secured any legal arrangements necessary with Simon and Schuster and the Clark family to continue this series. I can’t get enough of it.

In this installment, television hostess and young widow Laurie is set to marry former co-host and recently-appointed federal judge Alex until his nephew disappears during a family vacation. Laurie’s father Leo, a retired NYPD detective and main caretaker of her young son Timmy, immediately suspects a kidnapping has been ordered by a prisoner who is trying to get his case dismissed on the grounds that Leo fabricated the criminal’s confession 18 years ago. The incarcerated villain angles to get his story told on Laurie’s show about old murder cases, perhaps as leverage to reveal the whereabouts of the missing boy. The story takes many twists and turns, with plot devices that could only be drummed up by Clark and Burke. A whole lot of skeletons come tumbling out of closets.

For MHC fans, you won’t want to miss this farewell novel. I couldn’t put it down.

So happy to receive this book as MHC is one of my favorite authors. Have read many of her past novels as well as all her UNDER SUSPICION novels. Just LUV ’em!!! Have began reading this one despite receiving it only today. Will be sorry to finish this one as there will be no more books from her. Was sorry to read of her passing and will miss her.

I liked this mystery. The authors work well together, and the main character is terrific. The plot, however, seemed to go in all directions (although they end at the same place — mostly!). But the secondary characters failed to capture this reader. A simpler view through the main character would have worked better. But it’s a fast and easy read. Recommended with a bit of a reservation.

Amazing book! This is the last book Mary Higgins Clark has written before she passed away and she definitely went out with a bang. This book kept me captivated and engaged from beginning to end. Worth it!

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