Murder, twins, a true crime tv show. all the elements of a twisting plotted story. The books would be well served to provide a chart of the cast of characters. they were not fleshed out enough to remember them as their names came up. Ending was satisfactory.

I highly enjoyed this book by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. I've long been a fan of Alafair Burke and have read several books by MHC and really liked this team up between this two authors. This was a highly engaging and suspenseful story that had me thinking about it long after I finished it! I would highly recommend reading this book for any fans of these authors or fans of suspense/mystery books in general.

Enjoyed reading another Under Suspicion book in traditional MHC fashion. Alafair Burke does a great job continuing on in the name of MHC in this quick mystery read. This books focuses on the reopening of a case for a true crime show by Laurie Moran and her crew. It delves into the murder of two parents and whether one twin son committed the crime. It has traditional MHC twists and turns and is a fun, quick read. Highly recommend.

This book opens with the perfect family celebrating the achievements of handsome twin sons. Everything seems great on the outside, but when the parents are found murdered, the sons are looked at as the prime suspects. Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke have created a well-crafted mystery with a pretty good set of red herrings for the reader to follow. When a true crime show wants to reignite the story ten years later, things have changed and more information becomes available. This is a classic mystery that will keep you guessing. I recommend it. I received this book from Net Galley and have left an honest review.

I absolutely adore how effortlessly I can dive into the next installment of the captivating Under Suspicion series. Once again, Laurie steps into the spotlight with another intricate case awaiting her keen investigative skills. This time, the spotlight falls on twin brothers accused of the unthinkable - murdering their parents, albeit with a compelling twist. Each sibling points the finger at the other, and being identical twins, the truth seems an elusive mystery. Laurie, with her trademark investigative brilliance, returns to the fray. True to form, she orchestrates her investigation through her television show, Under Suspicion, compelling suspects to face the cameras and confront their truths head-on.

This latest addition to the series is succinct yet enthralling, propelling the reader forward with each turn of the page. The story effortlessly maintains its pace, ensuring readers remain fully engaged from start to finish. Characters are easily distinguishable and some even manage to win over our affections. I did wish for a few more pages. Here's hoping for another gripping installment soon!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for granting me the opportunity to delve into this ARC and share my thoughts.

Really enjoyed this book. Was quite surprised by the killer. I enjoyed the character development and the family story. I would highly recommend it.

Publication date: April 16th, 2024
Page count: 272
Genre: thriller
Setting: Cape Cod
POV: multiple

Chef’s kiss! Mary Higgins Clarke introduced me to thrillers as a child. She is still the author that I am most excited to read. love her writing style. Her books are well thought out, with writing that is engaging and easy to read.

Fast moving fun read. It was a treat that I did not want to end!


Thank you to author, publisher, NetGalley for advanced copy. This is an honest voluntary review.

Is it worse to be suspected of murder, or to expose your life to a deep investigation?

Ten years ago, the parents of identical twins Ethan and SImon threw their sons a huge party near their vacation beach home south of Boston. Later that night the parents are found murdered in their home, and the local police quickly focus on one or both of the twins as being the murderer.. The case was never brought to trial, but the press dubbed the boys the “Deadly Duo” and the pall of suspicion hangs over both of them even ten years later. Each twin is convinced that the other killed their parents, and they have remain estranged. It is their younger sister Frankie who decides that it is time to resolve the matter once and for all, and she contacts TV producer Laurie Moran whose show, Under Suspicion” is known for finding new leads in cold cases and either clearing or convicting people long suspected of a crime. The brothers themselves are initially reluctant to bring the case back to the public’s attention, as are others in their orbit…and it turns out that the “perfect family’ had a lot of secrets that will be brought to light. Will Laurie and her crew be able to finally solve the case and, if so, will the twins and Frankie be better or worse off at the end?

This is the eighth installment of the “Under Suspicion” series collaboration between Alafair Burke (daughter of famed crime novelist James Lee Burke, as well as a successful author in her own right) and the late Mary Higgins Clark. That said, this book works perfectly well as a standalone novel, so readers who have not read any of the preceding books shouldn’t be put off. The character of Laurie Moran, who herself experienced the murder of a loved one and having to live under the glare of public interest, is compassionate towards the people whose cases she investigates. She also has to deal with office politics and an overly-ambitious co-worker. As she looks into the case, she is not convinced that either or both of the young men are in fact guilty; there are others who were and are close to the family who may have had a motive to kill one or both of the parents, and it soon becomes clear that the police did not do a thorough investigation. It Had to Be You is a quick and enjoyable read, and while I figured out who did it relatively early on it was still a fun read that Mary Higgins Clark fans will enjoy., as will those who enjoy true crime shows. Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me access to an early copy of this entertaining story.

#8 in the Under Suspicion series follows Laurie as she looks for her next unsolved true crime to feature on her tv show. This double murder took place almost a decade ago and it’s always been assumed to be one (or both) of the identical twin sons. Neither were ever charged due to lack of evidence to convict, but it led to the brothers’ estrangement. Their little sister, now an adult, is ready to find out the truth. Whatever that may be.

This is the only book of the series that I’ve read. It did well as a stand-alone book. There were a lot of characters and sometimes I would forget who was being referred to, but usually the next sentence offered a reminder, as if to read my mind and know I would forget. For 85% of the book it was a solid and steady 4 stars. The ending/reveal wasn’t as exciting as I was hoping and ended dropping it half a star by the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC. This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.

Pub Date 16 Apr 2024

I’ve enjoyed all the Under Suspicion books and this one is no exception. The characters are complex and interesting, the cold case is one you find yourself invested in and just when you think you have it figured out….there's the classic Mary Higgins Clark twist at the end. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is my first book by Mary Higgins Clark and I can see why she gets all the love that she does in the thriller community! Her stuff is great!

I really enjoyed this book, even though it it part of a series it was super easy to follow as a newcomer and could definitely qualify as a stand-alone.

This book is fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your toes throughout. I really liked the characters and how this book is speedy and straight to the point.

I will definitely be picking up for Mary Higgins Clark in the future!

Let me tell you the squeal I let out when I saw this title on my shelf. Mary Higgins Clark played a major role in my gateway into horror, mysteries and thrillers as a preteen. I randomly picked up "Silent Night" during a sleepover at my grandparents' house when I couldn't sleep and absolutely devoured it.

"It Had to Be You" is the latest installment in the Under Suspicion series in which investigative producer Laurie Moran selects an unsolved case to highlight on the wildly popular television show of the same name. Her track record in solving these cases? Perfect. This time Laurie and her team choose the "Deadly Duo" case — twin brothers thought to be involved in the slaying of their parents 10 years before. Each accuses the other and families are torn apart. But was this a case of shoddy police work or did they plot the demise of their wealthy parents together?

If you're familiar with Mary Higgins Clark's style, you know the game. I picked my suspect early on but when things became a little too obvious, I changed my theory and was pleased to (once again) get it right. This is one of my favorite things about reading Mary Higgins' Clark novels! The whodunnit game is always fun. I describe her books as "easy cheese" in the best way possible. They are very easy and light reads, despite the murder and subject matter.

You'll never catch me not recommending an MHC novel. She is a big part of my childhood and someone I shared with my grandmother, who I lost the same year as Mary. I am so pleased to be able to continue reading her stories even in her passing.

Thank you Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this and share my love for Mary Higgins Clark with the world in advance of its publication.

It Had to Be You was as engrossing as the other books in this series by MHC and Alafair Burke. I loved the setting and the mystery very much. Of course, all the excellent characters from the earlier books are back - Laurie, Jerry, Grace, Tim, Alex, Leo, and Ramon. I've come to love reading about each of these characters.

This book sees the Under Suspicion team dive into a murder that reminded me of the Menendez case. The investigation, as usual, contains plenty of twists and turns and red herrings that had me thinking I knew for sure whodunit. Of course, I didn't know, but that's half the fun of these types of novels, isn't it?

If you haven't read any of the Under Suspicion novels, I'd definitely start with the first in the series and go from there because quite a lot happens in the main characters' lives from book to book. But whether you've read one of these books or all of them, you'll want to pick up It Had to Be You. It was a book I hated to put down. I'm not sure if this series will continue since Mary Higgins Clark passed away, but I hope it does. I love this series!

Thanks go to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own, as always.

I’ve listened to and read most of this duo’s books, and this may be my favorite!

This book follows protagonist and producer of the Under Suspicion series, Laurie Moran, as she tries to save her show and break a ten year old cold case about the murder of a couple whose deaths have been cast upon their twin sons. With neither convicted but both living under suspicion for a decade, their little sister finds it’s time to work with Laurie to find the truth.

This plot was creative and unique. It plays into the true crime style that’s been so popular and the characters’ relationships with each other are well developed, yet not as perfect as they seem. There are unreliable accounts and barriers at every turn, making the story build up more intriguing. I was on the hook the whole time! While I figured out the killer, I didn’t know why or how until the end!

I have been reading Mary Higgins Clark since 1994... It's a long term investment and I appreciate that though she has passed she is still part of this series and my Spring reading list. I have enjoyed this series focusing on Laurie Moran and her "friday night mystery" true crime show and reporting, the books are classic MHC and for me fun, quick mystery reads with the usual red herrings and twists. What I love is going back to characters I like, being back in the NYC and North NJ world I know, it's where I grew up, and seeing how characters grow and change. I appreciate Alafair Burke's work as well, I have always enjoyed her mysteries, and appreciate her collaborations and work in this series.

It Had To Be You was a strong addition to the series, I like a story involving twins and a cold case focus and how these books always tap under the surface to usually show you how danger in the past is still often in the present, especially with a cast of possible suspects and a fast paced unfolding of clues and suspense.

Great for fans of the series and both authors. I recommend reading the series in order, I am that person, but I also would say that this book and any in the series generally stand alone though you will miss out on some backstory with the main characters and relationships.

✨Spoiler Free Review✨

Title- It had to be you by @mary.higgins.clark @alafair.burke
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book immediately drew me into the story with its captivating plot and having to know who did it, and the guessing game never let up throughout the entirety of the novel. It was a quick read that I found myself hooked on from start to finish.

The two identical brothers seemed perfect in every way—handsome, intelligent, popular—until a shocking summer night when one brother killed his parents in cold blood while the other brother had an iron-clad alibi. But which twin was where during the murders? And is it possible the two of them planned the perfect crime together?

Years later, the twins are long estranged, each of them claiming to be convinced that the other is responsible for the death of their parents. Married now with children of their own, they may finally be ready to clear one name at the expense of the other and turn to Laurie Moran and her team to reinvestigate their parents’ murder. But as the Under Suspicion crew gets closer to the truth, the danger that was assumed to be left in the past finds its way into the present.

I will definitely going back and reading the other books in this series.

If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller, add this one to your tbr as it will be available April 16,2024✨

Thank you @netgalley @simonandschuster @mary.higgins.clark @alafair.burke for this advanced copy 👏🏽

This is a great story with lots of suspense as Laurie and her team investigate a decades old double murder. The plot is exciting with the twin factor that opens the door for all kinds of twists. The characters are interesting and well developed. Readers will love getting to know them and seeing how they factor into the plot. It is definitely a page turning story that is hard to put down. This is a great read!

Who doesn't love a Mary Higgins Clark mystery? I read my first as a teenager with Where Are The Children. I loved it and have been addicted ever since. I am so thankful for Alafair Burke keeping her mysteries alive.
Laurie Moran is a producer of Under Suspicion, a crime tv show that sets out to investigate the 10 year anniversary death of a beloved couple who died after celebrating the college graduation of their twin sons. Ethan and Simon seemed perfect, they had everything going for them until that fateful night. One of the brothers killed their parents in cold blood while the other had an alibi. But the boys look identical to most people and were even wearing the same outfit that night. Did one of them get away with it? Did they plan it together? The "Deadly Duo" were suspected but without proof the case went cold. Until 10 years later when Under Suspicion asks the estranged brothers to do the episode and finally clear their name. Now married with families of their own they reluctantly agree to finally get to the truth. But what seems cut and dry rarely is, when this story begins to take on a life of it's own putting everyone back into danger.
I loved the story line and the cast of characters, it almost felt like I was reading a true crime drama. There were a few times I thought I had it figured out, but then after one line I knew who it was. But to think I had it all figured out was a mistake because I still didn't see the whole picture.
If you are a fan of The Under Suspicion series you will love this book. Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you are a fan of family drama or crime investigations, consider putting this one in your queue. Follow Laurie Moran as she takes a new look at an old case that was never solved. For years the Harrington twins have been at odds, each brother under suspicion for the shocking murder of their parents, but not enough evidence to convict either one. It takes gumption and a fresh set of eyes to dig it all up again, to locate the irrefutable proof needed to seek justice and properly close this case. I enjoyed getting my sleuth on and meeting this cast of characters . . . you can too on April 16, 2024.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of It Had To Be You for my unbiased evaluation.  4 stars

3.75 stars
This is the 8th installment of the Under Suspicion series with Laurie Moran. While you could read this without having read the others in the series, you would miss personal details, but the mystery would still be compelling. Under Suspicion is the name of the true crime TV show produced by Laurie Moran. The premise of the show is that they present an unsolved crime that has had someone under suspicion for years, and begin investigating and uncovering new evidence. This episode of the show centers around the 1998 murder of a husband and wife on the night of the college graduation party for their twin sons, at a fancy venue in a resort town. For 10 years each of the sons thought the other had done it, and no longer spoke to one another. At the time their sister Frankie was 10 and had to go live with family friends. She didn't want to believe either of her brothers could cold-bloodedly kill their parents, and reaches out to Laurie Moran, in hopes of bringing her family back together again.

It is a fast, but satisfying read, and I wasn't sure who was the killer until close to when it was revealed. As a fan of murder mysteries, and Alafair Burke's books, this one checks all the boxes for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author of the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.