I’m happy to see that Laurie Moran and the “Under Suspicion” team are back to solve another crime! I was worried that this series would disappear with the passing of beloved mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark, but co-author, Alafair Burke, has kept it going. Laurie’s strength is looking at cold cases with fresh eyes, and in this installment she investigates the unsolved murder of a couple, whose twin sons (one or both) have long been thought to have killed them. As always, things are not what they seem, and seemingly benign conversations lead to revelations about the case. I loved this book, as I have the previous books in this series—a fun, quick read. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good mystery! When a true crime documentary wants to focus on murders long ago, everyone involved gets nervous! The evidence will eventually lead to a surprising ending.

It Had to be You involves the investigative team from the cold case TV show Under Suspicion diving into the 10-year-old murder of parents Richard and Sarah Harrington and their accused (but never charged) twin sons, Simon and Ethan. Will Laurie and her team prove one or both of them to be guilty, or find them innocent, as they've claimed all along, and heal the relationship between the two men and their younger sister, Frankie? While the story isn't quite as intense as many of the tales written by Mary Higgins Clark in the past, it's still a very good mystery that kept me hanging on to the very end. (And she will definitely be missed.)

“A candy for your thoughts?”

Honestly, it’s going to take a whole jar of candy to explain all my thoughts on what I just read.

Forget Dateline or 20/20, all you need is this book! Under Suspicion is now my go to for cold cases. I understand they aren’t technically real, but still! The amount of red string I had connected to all the suspect’s was, let’s just say, a lot. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday evening!

This book was so much fun and truly a wild ride! So grab a cup of coffee and wheel out that white board as you too start to build your suspect list. Can you guess the culprit, because I sure couldn’t!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this arc. All opinions are my own.

As someone who has been fascinated by shows like Dateline and 48 Hours most of my life the Under Suspicion series of books seems like a peek behind the production curtain. I appreciate that there have been storylines that have tracked through all of the books, but that the plot line focuses primarily on the story chosen for the particular episode they are producing. These are quick reads that are perfect for the beach or even just a break from stories that are more dense and serious.

I really enjoyed reading this one and will look forward to the next installment in the series.

Ten years ago, Sarah and Richard Harrington threw a lavish college graduation party for their twin sons, Ethan and Simon. That same evening Sarah and Richard were murdered and their sons were the main suspects though they were never charged as it couldn’t be proven which son had committed the murder.
Ten years later, Under Suspicion, a successful TV show wants to investigate the murder and determine what happened that night and bring the estranged family back together.
This is an interesting mystery with a surprise ending.

Thank you Simon and Schuster and NetGalley

"It Had To Be You" by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke is a collaboration between to great authors. They story brings you in from the very first page. The characters were likable and the story had several twists and turns. This is the 8th book in the "Under Suspicion" series. I would recommend read the series in order because you will see old characters from other book.

The is a well deserved five out of five rating.

I received this complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

I was excited to read another Mary Higgins Clark/Alafair Burke collab featuring my favorite producer, Laurie Moran and it did not disappoint. The mix of old characters and new characters make this book a page-turner. The Under Suspicion series investigates a family murder that has been unsolved for 10 years. Ready to move forward, the youngest family member convinces her twin brothers "The Deadly Duo" to join the series. Did they both do it? Did one of them do it? Or did shoddy police work not look at any under suspects? This book will have you questioning everyone. 5 stars

It Had to Be You is the latest in the Under Suspicion series by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. I have enjoyed each of these novels, the latest is no exception. Digging into a 10 year old cold case, our FMC seeks to uncover the truth of a brutal double homicide and the two twin brothers who were accused of the crime. Weaving through several 'who dun it's', the reader is taken on a journey of what would motivate a person to commit such a crime. While the subject is heavy, the writing style is not. I've always enjoyed the personalness of these novels, and the light hearted moments that makes these a gem to read. My one suggestion would be to take these a bit deeper, at times I felt things were deal with superficially, and going a bit deeper would have added to the suspense. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I have read every book in this series so was thrilled to jump back into the fold with this Under Suspicion mystery. Laurie and the crew are investigating the murder of parents where twin brothers are suspected. The brothers were never charged and ten years later are estranged because each thinks the other did it. Enter Laurie and her team who has pressure from Brett her boss for this to be a success. And then there is Ryan the face of the investigations on air who may or may not be an enemy to Laurie. Anyways Frankie the twins sister contacts Laurie and we meet the twins, their spouses, the moms best friends family who took Frankie in after her parents deaths. We meet and find out about the law dealings and partners and a family member to a spouse who has a potential motive. As Laurie investigates and the family come together there is a lot of speculation, review of the old facts, and interviews. I do have to say that I guessed what really happened - or rather who really did it about half way through the book but normally I am wrong- but I was right! I found this book to be like stepping back in with old friends and being along for the ride. I know since Mary Higgins Clark passed the other author said that it was Mary, her families and Alafairs wish for her to continue the series and I certainly hope so!

#SimonBooks Thank you for much for ARC of this book. It was such a good book. I was very surprised with the twist that the book had. I didn’t expect that it was going to end like that. Thanks NetGalley.

If you are a Mary Higgins Clark fan like I am, you don't even need to read reviews to know that you will love this book. An intriguing mystery with all the twists and turns you have come to expect in one of this author's book. I definitely recommend reading it.

Mary Higgins Clark has once again proven her mastery in the genre of murder mystery/thriller with her latest offering, "It Had to Be You" co-written with Alafair Burke. The novel presents an intriguing plot line centered around identical twins accused of the heinous murder of their own parents, a situation that immediately grasps the reader's attention. As the story unfolds, each twin points the finger at the other, creating a labyrinth of doubt and suspense that keeps you turning the pages.

The characters in "It Had to Be You" are nothing short of entertaining. They are well-crafted, with distinct voices and complex personalities that make them come alive on the page. Clark and Alafair has an exceptional ability to weave in and out of back-story seamlessly, providing just enough information to enrich the narrative without bogging down the pacing. This skillful storytelling not only deepens the intrigue but also adds layers to the characters, making the reader's investment in their fates all the more compelling.

One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its ability to sow doubt in the reader's mind about who the real culprit is. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Clark and Alafair throws in a twist that turns everything on its head. These fun and unexpected twists and turns are sprinkled throughout the book, ensuring that the suspense never wanes.

"It Had to Be You" is a book that I could not put down. The compelling plot, combined with Mary Higgins Clark's adept storytelling, made for a thrilling ride from start to finish. The seamless integration of back-story, the continuous doubt cast on the twins' innocence, and the entertaining narrative make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. If you're looking for a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further than "It Had to Be You."

Thank you to the publisher for an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.

A quick whodunit with an interesting premise - twins accused of killing their wealthy parents for inheritance - and to escape emotional and physical abuse from their father on the evening of their graduation party. Years later, they are estranged and dubbed the “deadly duo” - though each twin thinks the other is the murderer. There ends up being no shortage of suspects when Laurie Moran and Under Suspicion (tv show) are tapped to investigate. I completed this book in 2 days. Would be a good TV movie. Thanks NetGalley for the free ARC!

Review of Uncorrected Reader’s Proof

Sarah Harrington is delighted by the lovely graduation celebration at the Harbor Yacht Club for her twin sons, Simon and Ethan. Simon, graduating from Harvard, would be heading for Columbia Law School in the fall while Ethan, graduating from the University of Massachusetts, had a keen interest in music.

How could she possibly know that, before the night drew to a close, she and her husband Richard would both be gone . . . and that one of her beloved twin sons would be blamed for their deaths?

=========

The story opens ten years in the past, at the graduation party. The night the twins’ parents were murdered.

Moving to the present, television producer Laurie Moran and her “Under Suspicion” crew are investigating cold case. Simon believed Ethan had committed the crime while the police believed Ethan and Simon had conspired to kill their parents. Ethan maintained his innocence and the twins have been estranged since the night of the tragedy.

Although this book is eighth in the “Under Suspicion” series, there is sufficient backstory for the book to work well as a standalone. The expected characters are all in place, joined by the Harrington family and friends. With its well-developed, nuanced characters, strong sense of place, and complex, intriguing plot, readers will find much to appreciate in this captivating mystery.

As long-held secrets come to light, readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers will find much to appreciate in this story that grabs readers from the outset and keeps the suspense building until the unexpected denouement.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Simon and Schuster and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#ItHadtoBeYou #NetGalley

Loved being able to read another installment in the Under Suspicion Series. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The plot twist was a surprise however I do feel like the story was a bit rushed. Regardless, it’s a treat to continue to read Mary’s work with the help of Alafair Burke. Interested to see if there is more to come.

I used to read Mary Higgins Clark years ago but haven't picked up one of her books in a long time. I was excited to pick up "It Had to Be You" to see if I still enjoyed her style of books.

This book is part of a series and I have not read any of the previous stories. However, that did not detract from this story. This book works as a standalone with enough character information that you figure out some of the things that came before and some of the developments that will continue into new books within the series.

This is an engaging mystery that held my attention and encouraged me to keep reading. Though the ending was a bit too "neat" for my liking and I had figured out the perpetrator early on I still enjoyed it overall.

I found some of the dialogue to be a bit stilted and some of the discussions of the main character's family life to be unnecessary. However, I recognize that since this is a series getting to know the main character beyond just this story is part of what keeps people coming back for more.

Overall, I enjoyed this quick mystery and think it did a good job of remaining true to Mary Higgins Clark's signature style.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Requested because I have enjoyed Mary’s stand alone books and didn’t realize this was #8 in a series I’ve never read. Don’t feel like starting a book so late in the series

This was a great story. I love the Under Suspicion team and I was happy to catch up with them again. Frankie was the perfect one to concentrate on as she was for sure the most likable of the entire bunch!

The latest cold case mystery in Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke's #UnderSuspicion series is a dark one: parents murdered on the night of a college graduation party for their twin sons, who are also the suspect(s). Did they collude together for the perfect identical twin alibi? Or did one of them do it alone? Perhaps because my childhood was infused with app things Sweet Valley, I've always had a fondness and fascination with twins. This mystery is a good one, even if I guessed the outcome pretty early on. The family and business partner dynamics run deep, and the resolution is much more complex than simply who did (and didn't) do it. It's interesting to see how the fame of the Under Suspicion TV show is now impacting people's willingness to participate. It could work as a standalone, but I'd start the series at the beginning for most enjoyment.