Loved it! Never saw it coming. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this book. Clarke and Birke make a great pair.

I have always enjoyed the books written by Mary Higgins Clark and have read most if not all of them. When I learned I was going to be reading the sequel Where Are The Children Now I immediately reread Where Are The Children before I began the sequel. I loved the first one just as much this time as I did when I read it many years ago. As I started reading the sequel as much as I loved reconnecting with Nancy, Michael and Missy I began to feel like it was just an updated version of the original story and was finding myself disappointed. But as I kept reading I began to look forward to getting back to the story as it included new mystery and twists and turns. I raced through the book and could not wait find out what was going happen. Congratulations Alafair Burke for continuing the legacy of Mary Higgins Clark and thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read the unpublished version.

I love Mary Higgins Clark. That being said I wasn’t sure about a sequel to a book written so long ago. I did go and read the first “Where are the Children”. However, you don’t have too. She puts enough information in the beginning of the book for you to get the gist of what happened in the past. I read the books back to back and loved it for the character development of Nancy, Mike and Melissa. Overall, great book. She keeps you guessing and wondering the whole time. The relationship and memory of Melissa with her brother and family are interesting to watch her navigate. It’s a true story of getting to know and be true to yourself and that you can’t always keep the past in the past.

I was excited to see that there’s a sequel to the amazing book Where Are The Children. This one does not disappoint. I think MHC would be proud of the way it turned out.

I first read Where Are The Children over my first tear of marriage 48 years ago. Mary Higgins Clark set me on the path of reading hundreds of psychological thrillers. I was thrilled that NetGalley gave me access to Where Are The Children Now. I read this exciting sequel in one day while recovering from surgery at home. The story was quite exciting and though I guessed who one of the villains was, I never figured out the extent of the very twisted lot. Great finale for MHC and Alafair Burke

I was hoping this story would be a good sequel to the original, but wow, was I blown away to find it was SOOOO good! This story was very engaging and had enough background so that it could be read as a standalone book. The plot was great and I couldn’t stop turning pages! Loved it!

Burke did an admirable job of keeping the voice reminiscent of Mary Higgins Clark. I read the original many years ago, but I didn't go back and reread it. I believe this book could be read as a standalone. The reader is easily pulled in, and the pace keeps the reader turning the pages. While I did figure out the "twist," this was still a quick, enjoyable read.

Melissa has moved on from her childhood trauma, but she is still struggling with it, at least on a subconscious level. When the police peg her as their primary suspect, she finds herself doubting herself. Could she have done something so terrible and not remember it? With the support of family and good friends, she stumbles along as she tries to understand who would take Riley and why. She soon finds herelf questioning the motives/sincerity of various people in her life. Potential suspects abound, and the "likely culprit" changes and/or flipflops as the tale unfolds.

This was a well-written, suspense-filled read, with an abundance of red herrings, twists and turns to keep you guessing. When I finished reading the book at 4:30 in the morning, all I could think was "Wow" - I really didn't see that final plot twist coming.

BTW, although this is a sequel of sorts, it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone read.

Melissa and Mike Elridge are now grown their dad is deceased and their mom is now in a place where she can look towards the future. So much so she selling their Cape Cod home and moving to the Hamptons to be closer to Melissa. Melissa is a celebrity attorney and she’s marrying“Charles“ and single dad to Riley and then she met at a support group for people mourning the loss of loved ones. Mike Elridge is a professional boat captain who lives in the Chaldean except during hurricane season. The wedding is a small affair with only her best friend Kate another good friend Nick and her family Charles sister Rachel was invited but because she had a dislike for Melissa she didn’t attend. Melissa became a celebrity lawyer when she represented a woman found guilty for the murder of her husband but Melissa took on her case got a new trial and she was found not guilty due to self-defense. Although her and the woman had a falling out the case still made her popular and she even had a true crime podcast that was doing well in the ratings. It seemed her life couldn’t get any better but soon after her marriage her and little Riley were spending the weekend getting her mom‘s Southampton home ready for her but after spending the day at the park and an ugly run in with a Stranger Melissa was woken up by her brother Mike asking where is Riley? Charles was on his way home from a business trip her mom was still at the Cape and so they had no clue as to where the precious little three year old could’ve gone. After calling the police it seems they all took turns being suspect.s. Melissa couldn’t decide if she should tell the police about “truth teller“ her troll on her social media platforms I mean it’s not like this person threatened her period before it’s over however Melissa will know not only who truth teller yes but some people she already thought she knew. This book is a twisty piece of work and OMG it is a definite five star read this is a book I would definitely give more than five stars to if I could. I hope they turn it into an audiobook so I will have a reason to read it again. I loved the first book the tortoise book was way better if that’s possible! What more can I say if you love a good twisty thriller with no eye rolling or headshaking in disbelief then you need to read Where Are The Children Now? By Mary Higgins Clark in a laugher Burke you will not be disappointed. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Amazing thriller, I couldn't put it down!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Reading this book reminded me of just how much I enjoyed every one of Mary Higgins Clark’s books. I’ve read them all including Where The Children Are, her first book that I read many years ago.
Though completed by Alastair Burke, it definitely kept the voice of Mary Higgins Clark alive throughout. The story kept me interested from page one and was every bit the mystery thriller I hoped it would be.
Thank you to publishers Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This suspense and fast paced story takes you on a wild ride of suspects and unrelenting drama. Just as nail biting, edge of your seat as the original “Where are the Children!”
This review is my opinion and I thank Netgalley and Publisher Simon Schuster for an early copy of this twisted book.

Great book. I hated to put it down. I usually don't remember books I've read a while ago but the first book was one that stuck. This one will as well I'm sure.
From the wedding to the packing up of the mothers house and helping her move to her new place has great detail so you'd never guess who done it! I suggest making sure you have time to read this when you start or you will never get anything done uptil you do..

I read Where Are the Children? Decades ago when it was first published. It was my first introduction to a wonderful author. Since then I have read and enjoyed everything that Mary Higgins Clark wrote. Additionally, it was she who first introduced me to the writing of Alastair Burke. I am fully familiar with Laurie Morgan and Alex Buckley.

This book reminds us of Mike and Missy from the earlier book and begins by getting the reader familiar with the characters forty years later. In doing so, those who read Where Are the Children? Are reminded of who Nancy, Mike and Missy were, while allowing new readers to become familiar with them. The book then jumps into a mystery all its own. Like so many of these authors novels, many different plot lines, suspects and herrings exist. As usual, the real situation and perpetrators are not discovered until the end.

I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. I reread the earlier book to refresh my memory before reading this one, but it was not necessary. The authors manage to incorporate enough information into this book that anyone who hasn’t read the first book or is vague on the facts will have no problem understanding what previously occurred.

I received an ARC from Simon and Schuster through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

Where Are The Children Now? leaps ahead forty years from the original mega-bestseller Where Are The Children? by Mary Higgins Clark to the adult lives of the once kidnapped Melissa and Mike Harmon and their mother, Nancy. As I read the ARC of the new release, I kept wondering how this family endures multiple traumas involving murder and kidnapping over three generations. The cruelty is unimaginable. What are the odds?

Despite the difficult topic of child abduction, Where Are The Children Now? is an easy, reader-friendly read with enough suspense and twists and turns to keep mystery lovers entertained. The backstory is woven-in seamlessly, in case we’ve forgotten or never read the original novel. The final chapters tie the plot threads together well, assuming the reader continues to suspend disbelief. Fans of Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke will likely enjoy this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing an ARC to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

Where are the children now is a amazing intricate weaving of suspense and drama with a plot with so many twists and turns that you are kept on the edge of your seat as the plot unfolds to reveal a complex betrayal of trust and love and the realization that we have to go through the hard times to appreciate the good things that we are given. This was a amazing conclusion to Where are the Children and a tribute to a amazing woman .

Mant thanks to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read the sequel to the original book. Forty years later and the book still stands as one of the best of the genre. As a big fan of Mary Higgins Clarke back in the day I found this book carried on her legacy and the storytelling was perfect. The characters were well drawn, and the plot was original. There were several twists and turns and a great mystery to be solved. The big twist at the end is one you never see coming. It shows that trauma can be overcome and anyone who has been traumatized can lead a happy & healthy life once they face their fears. I highly recommend this book.

I have been a fan of Mary Higgins Clark since I read her first book, Where Are The Children, in 1975. I never missed one. Here, she and Burke add to that original story and build a great suspense novel. I always loved the way Clark layered the suspense in her stories, building up to a final you never saw coming. Well done!

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book.

A sequel to a book by one of my favorite authors?! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this.

History repeats itself when Melissa's stepdaughter Riley goes missing after an afternoon nap. As the story unfolds, and Melissa begins to doubt herself, you being to wonder who could possibly be behind her disappearance (spoiler alert- it will be a surprise to say the least).

I couldn't put this one down and ending up reading it in a day. It was such a great read. So suspenseful. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. If you love Mary Higgins Clark, you definitely need to read this. You will not be disappointed.

I loved this book! Mary Higgins Clark has been one of my favorite authors. Alafair Burke has done an amazing job keeping her spirit alive.
Where Are the Children Now perfectly continues the story of the first book, Where Are the Children? My only complaint is that the original story is summarized several times in this novel. Otherwise this story was riveting and the many twists and turns made it hard to put down.
I have already recommended and reviewed this book on Facebook. Those I know are looking forward to reading it.