Member Reviews
Oh how I love this series!
I was concerned about whether or not the Under Suspicion series would continue, and I am so glad it did.
Laurie and her team are searching for the perfect story for a new episode, and an old prospect falls into her lap. While managing her work life balance due to a new marriage and the potential threat of a traitor at work, Laurie is hopeful that she can find closure for a family that needs to be healed.
Two twin brothers have lived with the suspicion that they murdered their parents at their vacation home, and even worse, the rift between them for years. Their younger sister is desperate to find answers so that she can move forward, even if it means shattering her own happiness.
Laurie and her team find that the picture painted of the "happy" family is not all that it seemed, and while investigating finds a number of suspects who may have had a motive other than the brothers.
While I figured out the ending very, very early on, I loved the description of the sleepy vacation town where everyone knows everyone else, and the locals are wary of the outsiders, and policing is frequently compromised by friendships. I also enjoy how these books give you insight into what several characters are thinking as you go along.
I appreciate how everyone contributes to finding clues and watching the dynamics of different relationships. The ending was a little anti -climatic, but it was a lot of fun getting there.
I am hoping this wasn't the last that we will see of the Under Suspicion team.
I thank the publisher and NetGalley whom provided a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinions.
The next book in Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke's Under Suspicion series, this book continues the suspense we expect from these authors. In this story, the parents of two identical twins are murdered by one of the twins while the other has a solid alibi. Neither are convicted of the crime. Years later, the murder is still unsolved and the series regulars begin to reinvestigate only to uncover many unexpected twists.
It had been several years since I read a book written by Mary Higgins Clark and I remember enjoying her stories, especially those cowritten with Alafair Burke. This latest one did not disappoint.
Protagonist Laurie Moran is a television producer of a series that solve cold case murders. Her latest case is are the murders of the wealthy Harrington parents whose twin sons Ethan and Simon were accused but never convicted. Ten years after the murders, the twins’ younger sister Frankie, who has just turned twenty-two, decides that she needs to know the truth about who killed her parents and contacts Laurie in the hopes that she and her investigative team can uncover new clues that will lead them to the killer.
A fast paced, suspenseful mystery will have you playing armchair sleuth. The eighth book in this series, this can definitely be read as a standalone. Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read this enjoyable book and bring the this great writing duo back to me in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely love this series and was thrilled to receive an early galley! Laurie Moran is looking for a new case for her show, and she believes she's found it in the deadly duo. Two brothers; a rich family; mom and dad murdered in cold blood. Who did it? How? Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke kept me guessing as the characters kept rolling in and the motives kept changing. Great story, perfect mystery, with characters I know and love. I loved this one!
Always enjoy the stories by these two! Another episode of Laurie Morgan's 'Under Suspicion'. Great story which, of course, the team uncovers new evidence. Two big 'announcements' at the end of this book that promise big changes ahead!
Ten years after a couple is murdered at their twin sons' graduation party, the twins' sister calls on Laurie Moran to help solve the mystery of her parents' deaths. The twin sons are the suspects but their sister doesn't believe it.
Wow! This is one of the best books I have read this year, and I am an avid reader! This fast paced book had great characters, suspense, intrigue and twisty plot twists that kept me up guessing and reading until the very last page. I was very surprised by who the murderer turned out to be! My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this wonderful book to read and review.
Mary Higgins Clark is an author that I used to read as a teenager, and she proves once again that she’s still got it. I will admit, I haven’t read any of Alafair Burke’s solo work, but I’ll definitely check it out now.
There were some hints throughout the book that Laurie, the producer of a true crime show, was more than a passing character, but I appreciated the vague descriptions of her previous life, since I hope to read the series from the beginning. This is the eighth entry in the “Under Suspicion” series, but it can be read as a standalone, in my opinion—although you will get some spoilers about Laurie’s current family situation.
I did think that the action took a while to get going, but I enjoyed figuring out who might be responsible when all of the suspects had been presented. I’m proud to say that part of my guess was correct, but Clark and Burke certainly did not make it easy! There are twists in here that will have you second guessing yourself, and that’s a big part of why thrillers are such a popular genre. Just when you think you’ve narrowed down the suspect list, BAM, here comes another suspicious person! It’s, dare I say, quite fun.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback. I was thrilled (get it? 😁) to get my hands on an early copy of this! Look for this in just over a month!
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and had a great plot. I definitely can’t wait to read more from these authors!
Within the first couple of paragraphs, I was hooked and read this book straight through. It begins with a happy celebration of the college graduation of the Harrington twins, Simon and Ethan. The Harrington’s have a large, lavish vacation home on Cape Cod, and at the end of the night, their parents, Richard and Sarah Harrington are found shot to death in their home. The case was never solved; however, the consensus was that one of the twins was the perpetrator. There was never enough evidence to charge anyone of the horrendous crime.
Fast forward ten years and television producer Laurie Moran and staff are discussing what to investigate next that will draw viewers to their true crime program. All agreed on the unsolved death of the Harringtons’ ten years earlier. Twins, Simon and Ethan both are now married, however, have never spoken to each other for ten years. Their sister, Frankie, who was 12 at the time of their parents’ death was taken in by their mother’s best friend Betsy, and her husband. She was raised by them, and is now in college about to graduate.
Laurie approaches both twins, as well as Frankie, about appearing on the program. Simon and Ethan are reluctant at first but finally agree to be on the program together. Frankie readily agrees as she is interested in closure. As the emotional roller coaster of an investigation progresses, there are many twists and turns, and long-held shocking secrets are revealed. Situations the initial police investigation never found.
Once I got into this fascinating, captivating story, I could not put it down. This is suspense at its best.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.
This is a lovely fast-paced mystery that really has you wondering what really happened to Richard and Sarah. Was everything truly as it seemed? Were they really the perfect family or were there secrets hiding beneath the surface? This book is so lovely, and I could not have enjoyed it more. The pacing is perfect, and the brothers of course look guilty as all sin. As thing to light the story of what happened falls into place perfectly. There are a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
Thak you so very much to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for allowing me read an advance copy of this title.
It Had to be You is an intense mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I enjoyed this fast-paced story.
This is the 8th book in the Under Suspicion series and I have read each one! Another great read pulling you in to see who murdered Richard and Sarah (no spoilers to be revealed in this review). The Under Suspicion series are quick reads and remind me of the Nancy Drew series which were my favorite as a child. Highly recommend this one which I absolutely loved! Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5 stars Publication Date: April 16, 2024
Mary Higgins Clark in herself & her writing is such a comfort ! I miss this Queen 💔
With that said this was obviously not her writing but still a great tribute to her writing & her series. Alafair Burke & MHC created an amazing series & I'm glad it will continue.
I totally thought I had this book figured out early on like chapter 4 😂 & no I didn't ... Close but no way did I see all that coming .
So once again a winner in the Under Suspicion series imo .
Loved reading about all the regular characters & the new ones were good too.
Thank u #NetGalley for this Arc ❤️
It Had to Be You by Mary Higgins Clark; Alafair Burke. Mary Higgins Clark's writing style continues to be enjoyed through Alafair Burke's Under Suspicion series. The well-written characters and intriguing plot keep me guessing until the end. The intriguing mystery is well-resolved with tension inducing twists and turns.
Thank you to the author, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for opportunity to preview the book.
Laurie Moran, producer of a true crime television show that tries to solve cold cases, takes on the case of twin brothers, Simon and Ethan Harrington, suspected of killing their parents, at the request of their younger sister, Frankie. The brothers were never charged, but each believes the other is guilty of the crime, and the family has become estranged. Frankie wants to know the truth, good or bad, once and for all, even if it means one of her brothers is found guilty.
Laurie is dealing with a tragedy from her past and concerns over her job. She needs to solve this cold case. It appears the police didn’t really try to find other suspects and motives, concentrating only on the brothers, so Laurie’s team is working hard to uncover the truth on their own. Will they succeed?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mary Higgins Clark holds a special place in the hearts of many readers, including mine. That's why I dived into reading the latest book in the Under Suspicion series as soon as I had a chance, And from that dive, I was totally sucked into Laurie Moran's mission to crack the case of a seriously messed-up murder.
As the previous books, 'It Had to Be You' continues to captivate readers with its blend of mystery and intrigue. At its center is Laurie Moran, the dedicated producer of a true crime television show committed to unraveling cold cases. Surrounding Laurie are a cast of supportive characters, both in her professional and personal life, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.
In this latest installment, Laurie is approached by a young woman seeking assistance in solving the long-unsolved murder of her parents. The prime suspects? Her identical twin brothers, who were never formally charged. With tensions running high and familial bonds strained, the brothers reluctantly agree to participate in the show, driven by love for their sister and the hope of uncovering the truth. Yet, as Laurie delves deeper into the case, she uncovers twists and turns that challenge everything she thought she knew.
As expected from a Mary Higgins Clark novel, the story is a delightful blend of lightness and depth, perfect for a cozy afternoon curled up with a book or a lazy day at the beach. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series or just looking for a killer read, this book is a must-have for your shelf.
I love the Under Suspicion books. I have read all of them and am always surprised and eager to find out who did it! This book did not disappoint. I enjoyed it right up to the end . Laurie Moran is an excellent journalist and draws you into the story from the first page. I am grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Name of Book: It Had To Be You
Series: Under Suspicion #8
Author: Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: April 16, 2024
My Rating: 4.8 rounded up
Pages: 272
This is the eighth in the Under Suspicion series and I have read all of them.
Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke are a great team and I am so delighted Ms. Burke is continuing with the series and including MHC's name!
Laurie Moran is the producer of a true crime television show which stated seven stories ago when he husband had been killed. Her goal continues to solve cold cases.
The tenth year anniversary of the death of Sarah and Richard Harrington is approaching Local podcaster wants to interview the “Deadly Duo”-identical twin brothers Ethan and Simon Harrington as it is believed one of them or perhaps both are responsible for their parents deaths.
Michelle, Simon’s wife remembers Laurie from a few years ago when she contacted her mother as well as Frankie (who has been living with Michelle’s parents since the death of her parents). Since they were not ready to go on air and discuss this, Laurie stepped back. However, now the the other podcasters aren’t going to give up so perhaps they should talk to Laurie.
Story starts when Ethan and Simon were celebrating their college graduation with a big party. The brothers have too much to drink so the night their parents were killed wasn’t clear. They were immediately under suspicion but not charged.
Now after ten years they want to clear all doubt - and hope to find who really is guilty.
This is my 48th Mary Higgins Clark novel and Under Suspicion #8 ~ yep I am a fan!
MHC was a true inspiration ~ writing and doing what she loved to do for so many years.
True her mysteries were definitely scary in the old days not so much recently but I still loved her stories!
This did have my heart racing - true not scary but it was a WOW page turner for me!
Want to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this early release.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 16, 2024
My thanks to Net Galley, Simon and Schuster, and the personal invitation I received to review this book.
I have been a fan of Mary Higgins Clark since the mid 70s when I found Where are the Children and am happy her storytelling is continuing after her death.
Laurie Moran and her Under Suspicion team are back investigating a case of twin brothers suspected of killing their parents? But did they? Was it one, both, or someone else?
Quick and easy read. Great book...Highly recommend.