I love the writing style for these books. I have read MHC since I was a teenager and recently came to reading Alifair after the sequel to Where are the Children Now. I did not predict the twist in this. I enjoyed the many layers of family relationships explored in this book The chapters were a good length—-not too short but not too long if you need a good stopping point
I look forward to the next collaboration

Laurie Moran investigates old crimes where there has not been enough evidence to pinpoint the perpetrator or they have nothing pointing at one person or persons. In this case, she decides to investigate the deaths of a well-known couple, killed the night of a celebration of their twin son’s graduation. Years ago, everything they had pointed to one of the twin sons and the possibility that they worked in tandem to commit the crime. However, just getting the family to re-open this long-ago wound was difficult enough. Laurie manages to do that and along with her team, begins her investigation. Things actually go quite well, but can they figure out who committed the crime and why.

I have read several other books by this author team. This one is the first one I did not really care for. I found it difficult to get into, and I just could not relate to the characters. Laurie and her team were good in their investigation, but that did not make me like it any better. I received this from NetGalley to read and review,

"It Had to Be You" by the late Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke is a thrilling addition to the beloved Under Suspicion series. With its intriguing plot, lovable characters, and unexpected twists, this novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Lori Moran, along with her family and coworkers, continues to shine as memorable and endearing characters in this installment. Their dynamics add depth to the story as they navigate through the complexities of investigating a chilling murder case involving twin brothers with dark secrets. The authors excel at creating relatable characters that readers can't help but root for throughout the suspenseful journey.

The plot of "It Had to Be You" delivers all the suspense, twists, and intrigue that fans have come to expect from the Under Suspicion series. As Laurie Moran delves into the unsolved murder of a couple celebrating their sons' college graduations, she uncovers layers of deception and betrayal that lead her team down a dangerous path. The themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and redemption are expertly woven into the narrative, adding emotional depth to an already gripping storyline.

Mary Higgins Clark's legacy lives on in "It Had to Be You," co-authored with Alafair Burke. Together, they continue to prove their mastery in crafting compelling mysteries with this latest installment that promises both thrills and heartwarming moments for fans of the series.

"It Had to Be You" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys suspenseful thrillers with well-developed characters and intricate plots. With its blend of mystery, drama, and unexpected revelations, this novel captivates readers until its final jaw-dropping twist leaves them eagerly anticipating what's next for Laurie Moran in future installments of the Under Suspicion series.

Mary Higgins Clark has always been my go to for a good thriller, and this one is my favorite yet! Twin brothers, one kills their parents, but what is the others alibi. So many secrets come up from the past, questions throughout keeping the reader on their toes. Wonderfully written! Add this to your TBR list.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book!

I have always been a fan of Mary Higgins Clark, since I was a child, completely gripped by the suspenseful tales and webs she wove with her dialogue, characters, and atmospheric writing. I understand why she might have co-written books with Alafair Burke later in her career. Especially after her passing, Mary Higgins Clark will surely be missed. I appreciate having another book from her in my library.

Two identical brothers were accused on murdering their parents on the night of their graduation party. There was never enough evidence so they were never charged. 10 years later, due to their past, their estranged relationship is tested when their sister wants Laurie from a TV show to review the evidence to find the truth. Even if that means her brothers did commit the crime. The book was a quick read and the secrets were pretty shocking. The ending was a little disappointing as it seemed rushed. I wish there was a bit more explanation as to why. Overall a good read and would be curious to read more of the "Under Suspicion" series.

You can't go wrong with Mary Higgins Clark! I wasn't aware this was a series book, but this can be read as a standalone. I definitely want to read the rest now. Twin brothers Ethan and Simon suspect each other for years in their parents brutal murder. Laurie Malone is a podcaster who has followed this story for years and is determined to find out the truth. The ending is shocking and nothing you will see coming.

This was about a TV series, Under Suspicion, that finds cold cases to investigate again. They have an excellent track record for finding new evidence and solving cases. They pick up a case for their new episode about the Deadly Duo, Ethan and Simon.

The night of Ethan and Simon’s graduation party, their parents were found murdered. A camera leading onto their property sees the twins car coming and leaving the property around the time of the murder and a witness placed one of the twins near the parked car after it returned to the party. Were they in on it together? Or was it only one of the twins? The cops were zeroed in on the Deadly Duo, but never had the evidence to arrest one or both of the boys.

We follow Laurie, the producer of the show, reinvestigating the crime and digging into the past, hoping to find new evidence and crack the case.

Normally I find books where a random person solves the case when the cops couldn’t slightly annoying and unrealistic. This didn’t bother me in that aspect. I feel like it was done well. It was interesting to try and unravel the story before Laurie could, and I feel like things were not predictable but were believable.

Once things started rolling, I feel like I was invested in it, but the story wasn’t really pulling me in hard like some other books. It was overall a fun read.

Excellent book! It's not often that I don't figure out the twists, this one got me. Great job with character development and the story just keeps you reading. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher and authors for the chance to read this advanced copy.

The Under Suspicion series continues with a new complicated case. When Laurie is approached by a young women asking her to investigate the case of her murdered parents, Laurie knows it going to be a great case, but not everyone in the family is onboard, after all suspicion has fallen on the identical twin brothers and even years later they each believe the other is guilty. They eventually sign on because they love their little sister, but is her very world about to be shattered, is one of them truly guilty? With the usual flair of a Higgins Clark/Burke novel, there are several twists and turns along the way along with a myriad of suspects. As always in this series, this was a quick, entertaining read. Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

My first Mary Higgins Clark! Written by Alafair Burke, I felt like this was a different flavor than other Burke books I've read - maybe more domestic, less gritty? Anyway, I really enjoyed it, and I just think it's so special that the two of them collaborated on this series and that Alafair's been able to continue it.

It Had to Be You would make a good travel or beach read; this is a mystery that's easy to read from start to finish in a day. There's an element of an old case being reinvestigated by a television producer, but this is done with a light touch - if you're sick of all the mysteries featuring podcasts, I think you could read this one without getting annoyed.

This is #8 in the series and left me wanting to read others, though I don't think I missed a thing by reading It Had to Be You first. (Previous plots are referenced, but in passing - I read this book a few days ago and couldn't tell you anything about some of the previous cases referenced.)

Do you love watching true crime television shows like I do? If so, you will enjoy this book!

This was my first book that I read in the Under Suspicion series (nothing like waiting until the 8th book), and I'm so glad I read it. I love a good mystery that doesn't keep you up at night, but you are trying to find out the "real" killer. It Had to Be You by Higgins Clark and Burke is what a lot of people would call a cozy mystery. You want to just curl up on the couch and read through the whole story.

Take a family that looks well put together to the outside world, until one night both of the parents are murdered. The twin boys are under suspicion, and their little sister is determined to find out what really happened years later. Laurie Moran, the producer of the true crimes show, Under Suspicion, is contacted by the little sister to help her find out the details. The twin boys are now men with their own families and are estranged. Did they do it?

I really liked the character of Laurie Moran, and now I am going to start at the first book in the series to see how Laurie ends up solving other mysteries. You can definitely read It Had to Be You as a stand-alone book.

I gave this book four out of five stars. Thank you Simon & Schuster, NetGalley and the authors for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

This book was excellent! It was another great book in the "Under Suspicion" series. If you enjoy this series you won't be disappointed with this book. I love how they work to solve cold cases, and the endings and plot twists always surprise me. 5 stars for sure! I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

If you are a fan of shows like Dateline, you'll love this series, which focuses on a podcast called Under Suspicion, which looks into cold cases. This book is technically part of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone novel. The twists and turns while characters try to uncover which brother (perhaps both, the Deadly Duo?) is guilty of killing their parents years ago. The reveal was a bit of a surprise. This is a perfect read for a rainy day.

I am so glad Alafair Burke partnered with Mary HIggns Clark on many novels before Clark's passing. I have been a longtime reader of MHC since I was 11 years! I am so glad Burke has continued the Under Suspicion series that they have written together and Laurie Moran's story has a new challenge.

This book follows the same plot ideas of all the Under Suspicion novels but this one involves adult twin brothers accused of violently murdering their parents. Enter Laurie Moran and crew. As she investigates the brothers and those close to them and not so close to them, pieces of the puzzle start to fit together. But also so many more questions! Which brother is guilty? Who is lying and who is being truthful? Are they both guilty? Or did someone frame them?

I wanted to take my time to read and enjoy this because MHC's name is still attached to this book and I feel like her writing is still continuing past her death. This book was chilling AF like all the Under Suspicion novels have been. When you you think you have it figured out like series tend to be... BAMM... surprise!

Highly recommended writers and series. Read any Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke you can. Both together and each work of theirs seperately. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks to NetGalley, Alafair Burke, MHC (rest in peace) and Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already available

Another strong case for nostalgia as a 3.5 is rounded up to a 4. I will always welcome the opportunity to step into a world created by Mary Higgins Clark, now navigated by Alafair Burke. This is Under Suspicion #8, and we're still following along with producer Laurie, her trusty sidekicks Grace and Jerry and her family. The family now not only includes her son and father, but her new husband - and everyone's growing up. Laurie's son Timmy is now a pre-teen Tim, her father is dating and they are looking to expand the family as well.

But this is all on the side of the cozy mystery, this time a throw back to the Menendez brothers. Simon and Ethan Harrington are identical twins who grew up in a privileged household. Their mom, a Saint, their father however...not so much. When both parents end up dead, the police accuse the twins of plotting together but without proof, there are no arrests. Ten years later, their much younger sister, Frankie, signs up for the TV show - known for uncovering new evidence - to find out the truth.

As with most of the books in this series - few red herrings, a pretty obvious answer, maybe a couple surprises. But sometimes embarking on an adventure where you know the answers will be tied up in a familiar bow is just what the doctor ordered.

Thank you for this ARC! MHC is the ultimate cozy, nostalgic read for me and this did not disappoint. The characters were engaging, the plot moved along nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend for anyone that likes a mystery.

Wow The Under Suspicion team did another fantastic job and I loved reading every bit of it!!!!!!!!!! This series is a mastermind of mysteries that readers will fly through.

This book was another great from the dynamic duo of Clark and Burke! A twisty plot with interesting characters and a surprise ending. I couldn't put it down! I will be recommending this book for all my mystery-loving patrons and their friends. A can't-miss read from two of the best mystery writers around!

Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke did it again with “It Had to Be You”. This was the next installment of the Under Suspicion series. I really love this series. All these books have kept my attention the whole way through. I had a hard time putting this book down. And it had a huge twist at the end that I never saw coming. I kept trying to guess how it was going to turn out, but I was completely wrong! I also love that this book is clean. It’s hard to find mainstream fiction that is good and suspenseful but also clean. This one delivers! I highly recommend this book and all the books in the series.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.