I flew through this book (literally, I read it on my flight)! I am a huge MHC fan and was heartbroken when she passed. I've read several of her works with Alafair Burke and they never let me down. This novel was no different. It was good on my soul to read one more MHC book.

Although I'm fairly sure I read the late Mary Higgins Clark's "Where Are the Children?" many years ago (1975??), I have to be honest and say I don't remember a thing about it - heck, I can't even remember where we lived that long ago, much less a book that's been superseded by hundreds of others I've read over the ensuing years. So I'm glad that this one, billed as a follow-up, has enough explanatory references to that one to keep me from being totally lost. But despite being thoroughly engrossing, it's not on my Top 10 list of favorite MHC books.

In part, that's because it's not a favorite topic; I've never really enjoyed reading about children who have been kidnapped, murdered or otherwise abused. But here we are, and in this case, history seems to be repeating itself. Speaking of repetition, I must say there's plenty of that here, although in fairness some is necessary so readers can relate both to this story and its predecessor. In that book, the two children of a young Nancy Harmon were murdered, and she was convicted of killing them. While she "got off" on a technicality (a good thing because she really didn't do it), few believed in her innocence, and ultimately she relocated from California to Cape Cod, remarried and had two more children, Mike and Melissa - who would themselves become the victims of a cruel kidnapper.

That was something like 40 years ago, and now grown-ups Mike and Melissa are leading their own lives - Melissa as a lawyer with a successful podcast, a relatively new husband she loves and a 3-year-old stepdaughter Riley she adores and Mike as a charter boat captain. They're all getting together to help their mother Nancy move to a swanky spot on Long Island. Readers soon learn, of course, that all this sweet bliss is about to turn sour.

And it does, when Riley goes missing right from under Melissa's nose as she sleeps in her mother's new house. Of course, for Melissa and Mike, it's sort of deja vu all over again - and for her husband Charlie, it's the continuation of a nightmare that started with the unexpected death of his first wife, Riley's mother, from a freak accident not all that long ago.

The police, though, follow a path similar to the one police carved with Nancy's case all those years ago; Melissa, the evil stepmother, must be the prime suspect (aided and abetted by all those awful experiences from her childhood). Even Melissa's good friend and podcast assistant, attorney Grant Macintosh, gets in on the act, but we've all heard about the road to good intentions.

For the most part, Melissa second-guesses herself and everybody else with more fervor than I'd expect from a competent attorney, but then wishy-washy, questioning females just aren't my thing no matter what their background. The only characters who seem reasonably tuned into reality in this one are her brother Mike and her mother Nancy. As for the ending, well, once again not exactly what I'd expect from a successful professional, but there's something to be said, I guess, for Melissa's mantra that happiness is a choice. All in all, it's an enjoyable experience, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

This was a good follow up to the novel written by Clark in the 70's. It was co-written by Alafair Burke and finished posthumously. It definitely reads a lot more like Clark's novels. I was a little distracted by all these different character POV's without knowing how they will connect. I appreciate the recap of the previous book because I forgot what exactly happened. Overall, I liked the twists at the end and appreciate the follow up book.

I had never read the prequel to this book but it was easy to follow along with the events of the past to see how they would affect Mike and Melissa, who were kidnapped as children many years ago. Mike lives an idyllic life as a boat captain in St. Maarten and has traveled to Cape Cod to attend his sister’s wedding. He wasn’t thrilled that she was marrying a man she didn’t know very well, but he just wanted her to be happy. Mike knew Melissa still had nightmares about their abduction and he worried about her every day. Melissa was a very successful attorney and had a popular podcast, but something was missing from her life, and Charlie and his precious daughter Riley, were an answer to her prayers. She was looking forward to being a wife and step-mother and knew that her future looked brighter with them in her life.

I was filled with fear and curiosity the minute Mike and Melissa realized Riley had been kidnapped. She certainly didn’t walk away on her own and I immediately began compiling a list of possible suspects. I felt that the detectives on the case had unjustly accused Melissa of the kidnapping without looking into the lives of her husband's family. I was glad that Melissa took it upon herself to dig deep into the background of her new husband because in the end, her brother Mike had been correct in his assumption that his sister had married the wrong person.

I was completely surprised by the shocking ending and I was amazed at how little Melissa knew about the people who were close to her. The elaborate plan to kidnap little Riley was based on anger, jealousy, greed and manipulation. Melissa never gave up hope that Riley would be found and she used her inner strength, along with help from Mike and her mother Nancy, to face her demons head on, which resulted in a happy ending for all of them.

Mary Higgins Clark is one of the first mystery authors that I started to read in my 20's. She opened my eyes to a new genre that I was drawn in to. Where are the children is probably one of the first I read. Even though this is written by Alafair Burkes, it still delivers just Mary Higgins Clark would.
Kidnapped with her brother at a young age, she never thought her own stepdaughter would be kidnapped. It brings back memories of her traumatic experience. We surroound ourselves with those we can trust but do we really know them.. Melissa will find out.

"Where Are the Children Now?" by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke is an exciting and captivating sequel to the groundbreaking novel, "Where Are The Children?" The story follows Nancy Harmon's grown-up children, Mike and Melissa, who are faced with danger once again. Melissa, a successful podcaster, marries a widower with a young daughter, Riley. But when Riley goes missing, Melissa and Mike race against time to save her from a dangerous predator.

The book features a complex plot with secrets and lies that keep readers guessing until the end. The past influences the present situation, making for an intriguing read. Despite being a sequel, readers who have not read the first book will not feel lost as the story is well explained. The characters are relatable and likable, and the authors do a great job of crafting a modern tale while paying homage to the original.

"Where Are the Children Now?" is a page-turner that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The writing is clever and the story is well-crafted, making for an engaging read. Fans of Mary Higgins Clark will not be disappointed with this exciting follow-up to her iconic novel. It's a must-read for anyone who loves suspenseful and thrilling books.

Where Are The Children Now is the follow up to Mary Higgins Clarke’s breakout hit, Where are the Children? The novel that transformed the genre of suspense thrillers. This story checks in with the Eldridge Family forty years after the kidnapping of Missy and Mike by their mothers first husband. Missy has recently been married to a man whose wife died in a tragic accident leaving him and their three year old daughter behind. When Missy’s stepdaughter goes missing and there are too many similarities to her kidnapping for it to be a coincidence. Missy and Mike must use their own experience to help find her before she suffers the same trauma or worse.

I love Mary Higgins Clarke’s writing and I especially enjoyed the books she wrote with Alafair Burke. Where are the Children Now? has all the twists and suspense that Mary Higgins Clarke is known for! It started off a little slow but I was hooked within the first few chapters. The cliffhangers at the end of the chapters made it impossible to put this book down. The author throws so much suspicion around that it was impossible to figure out who the kidnapper was. I went through so many suspects before I found out who actually took Riley. Even after discovering who the kidnapper is there was still one final twist that I was truly shocked by!

I really enjoyed the characters in this novel, both old and new. I liked seeing the character development in Missy, Mike and Nancy. I was also excited to see characters from the Under Suspicion series mentioned in this novel.

I also enjoyed the side characters and subplots. They didn’t play major roles in the novels but they allowed you to see more aspects of the investigation as it was going on.

I would recommend reading Where are the Children? first. However, I think this book can be read as a stand-alone. There is enough background information provided for the story to make sense.

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.

I have never read the original story, but this book can 100% be a standalone. I figured out the "twist" pretty early on, but it was still a very quick read and worth the time to see the approach. Keeping the two suspects apart and the way that people take sides during times of strife creates some good moments for discussion. MC was easy to root for, and supporting cast was large enough to allow multiple story lines without overwhelming and convoluting the story unnecessarily. (I'll also be returning to the original story to see what kicked this tale off.)

Overall: 4 stars

I'll tell my students about: trauma, mental health issues, kidnapping

**Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the free ARC prior to publication. All opinions expressed are my own.**

First let me thank NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, Mary Higgins Clark, and Alafair Burke for an ARC for this book. I have been a fan of Mary Higgins Clark's books for years. I believe I read the book Where Are The Children? in the mid-'70s. I used to devour her books one after another, but then children came and my reading slowed down. Well, I remember why I was so in love with her writing and I have to say thank you again for reintroducing me to the world of MHC.
This book is great! So many twists and the characters are wonderful in how they interact with each other and develop as the story unfolds. I love how we can see Melissa's mind working on all the different ways the puzzle will be solved. I hope that there will be more books by Alafair Burke as she is wonderful in her writing. What an artist to be able to take a masterpiece and not only create a new masterpiece but improve on it.

A close comparison to Clark's original. Burke worked closely with Clark for several years before Clark died. Though Burke's style is a good facsimile, she still isn't Clark.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Where are the children now?
What can be said about a book that is written by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. One of the first books I read years ago was "Where are the children". This book is as amazing as the first. I love bring back old characters and new ones. I highly recommend this book.

I received this complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

Many years after Where Are the Children was published we have the sequel which will delight all her old fans and create new ones. A great storyline with enough twists and turns to delight her readers.

4.5 rounded up
Kept me guessing. Well written and great characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Is a review really necessary? ,,..it IS 2 of the greatest authors. This novel exceeded my expectations! I hope they do more work together!


5 out of 5!!

This book is a sequel to Where Are the Children published in 1975. The book has the two children that were kidnapped in the original book as adults in this sequel. I loved the original book and this one was just as good. It is full of suspense and unexpected twists, I couldn’t put it down. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Two of my all time favorite authors…I hope there are more books…mystery and intrigue at its best…linear timeline..lthird person narrator…no jumping around with voices from different characters…no going back to a million different years…just a good mystery like MHC always wrote…she never disappointed…never…these characters come alive on the pages…they exist. Red herrings abound…secrets…my goodness so many secrets. Is anyone who he says he is? Love and romance…friends and family. I liked this book so much I would give it more than five stars. I will read it again and again as I have always done with MHC books…Burke is a talented and gifted author…writes a cannot put down novel. This would make a fantastic movie. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks also to the publisher and to Burke…many thanks…now curl up in a cozy chair with a warm fuzzy afghan and a cup of steaming herbal tea…be transported into the world of these authors. Enjoy the mastery of mystery.

Where Are the Children Now? By Mary Higgins Clark and Alistair Burke
Forty years ago, Nancy Harmon was accused of murdering her children after they went missing. She remarried and had two children Mike and Melissa. Melissa just married Charlie after they met in grief counseling, she because of the death of her father and Charlie because of the death of his wife. They had an immediate connection and when Melissa met Charlies’ three-year-old daughter Riley, it sealed the deal. The three of them were helping Nancy move into her Cape Cod cottage. Melissa took Riley to the park, then home to nap. Melissa must have been drugged because she slept so soundly and did not know when Riley was taken even though they were in the same room. Melissa and Mike are frantic, reliving their abduction. Melissa is a lawyer turned true crime podcaster and has several enemies. The real question is if Riley was taken because of Melissa or Charlie? This is an excellent mystery. All the relationships seem so strong and true until they are not. As the book unfolds, I could suspect almost everyone. The characters were great and you could be so happy Melissa found a ready made family. Riley was so cute and added a lot to the story. The concern Mike had for his sister and her left over fear from the abduction was well done. Great book with a lot of surprises.

Where Are The Children Now
Over 40 years ago, Nancy Harmon was accused of killing her two children but released on a technicality. She changed her name, moved across the country and married again. This time her two children were then kidnapped and abused before being rescued.
Now Nancy’s daughter Melissa, a successful attorney, has a popular podcast about crimes. After the sudden death of her father, Melissa attended a grief therapy group where she met Charlie. He had lost his wife and was left with a 3 year old daughter, Riley. Melissa and Charlie fell in love quickly and soon married. Riley was happily welcomed into Melissa’s family.
Melissa and her brother, Mike, persuaded Nancy to sell her Cape Cod house and move to the Hamptons to be closer to Melissa’s NYC apartment. The brother and sister helped Nancy make the move. Melissa brought Riley along as Charlie was on a business trip. After a trip with Riley to a local park, Melissa fell asleep. When she woke from a very deep sleep, she discovered discover that Riley was missing. So she and her brother used things that they had learned as kidnapped children to find Riley.
This book has a satisfactory ending but many surprises that are not revealed until the end of the book. The late Mary Higgins Clark is listed as the co-author because she wrote the first book, Where Are The Children, that this book is based upon.
I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Where Are the Children Now is in a way a sequel to Mary Higgins Clark’s Where Are the Children. Melissa and Mike were kidnapped as children and their mother, Nancy, was the prime suspect. The real kidnapper was found and the children reunited with Nancy. Now Melissa and Mike are grown up. Melissa is an attorney who has become a podcaster. She has recently married a widower with a young child. While Riley is in Melissa’s care, she disappears. I have to admit, the ending did surprise me. I was excited to have one more book from Clark. She will be missed.