WCW: Mary Higgins Clark
It’s woman crush Wednesday and, coincidentally, International Women's Day!!!
Mary Higgins Clark was a prolific American author who earned the title of “Queen of Suspense” for her mastery of the genre. Her writing style was captivating, and she had a way of keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end of her books.
One of the things that set Mary Higgins Clark apart as a writer was her ability to create relatable characters. She had a talent for creating characters that were flawed and imperfect, yet still lovable and sympathetic. Her stories often centered around ordinary people who found themselves in extraordinary situations, which made them all the more engaging.
Another hallmark of Mary Higgins Clark’s writing was her use of plot twists and red herrings. She had a talent for keeping readers guessing and throwing them off the scent of the actual culprit until the very end. Her books were full of surprises, and readers never knew what was going to happen next.
I remember reading the book “You Belong to Me” by Mary Higgins. I had to hide underneath my bed back then because I was in boarding school and I was supposed to be at ‘Night Prep’ ( we had to read from 7 pm till 9 pm at the dining hall and it had to be school books). I was so engrossed in the book, I did not even realize the matron was already at the foot of my bed, watching me. Honestly, It was worth the punishment I received.
As a writer, there is a lot to be learned from Mary Higgins Clark’s approach to storytelling. Her books are a masterclass in character development, plotting, and pacing. She had a way of building tension and suspense that kept readers hooked from the very first page.
Many people have praised Mary Higgins Clark’s books for their gripping plots and relatable characters. Bestselling author Stephen King once said of her, “Clark is a mistress of suspense who knows how to hook her readers and keep them turning the pages.” Similarly, bestselling author Harlan Coben has called her “a legend.”
Mary Higgins Clark was a talented writer who left a lasting impression on the literary world. Her books continue to be popular with readers around the world, and her legacy as the “Queen of Suspense” will live on for years to come. She showed that the best suspense novels were not just about the twists and turns of the plot, but about the characters who inhabited the world she created.
Her impact on the literary world can also be seen in the number of awards she won during her career. She was the recipient of numerous honors, including the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. In addition, she was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame and received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her contributions to American culture.
Mary Higgins Clark’s influence extends beyond the genre of suspense. She was a trailblazer for women in the literary world, proving that women could be successful in a field that was traditionally dominated by men. Her books have inspired countless aspiring writers like myself, to follow in her footsteps and create their own compelling stories.
Here are a few of her well-known works that fans of suspense and thriller genres might enjoy:
“Where Are the Children?” (1975) — This book, which was Clark’s debut novel, follows the story of a young mother who relocates to a small town in Cape Cod to escape her past, only to have her two children go missing. The book is a masterclass in suspense, and its twists and turns will keep readers guessing until the very end.
“A Stranger Is Watching” (1977) — In this book, a young girl is kidnapped from a New York City museum, and the only person who can save her is her father, who must navigate a series of cryptic clues to find her. This book is a tense and gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
“While My Pretty One Sleeps” (1989) — This book follows the story of a fashion reporter who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after her friend, a famous model, is killed. With its fast-paced plot and relatable characters, this book is an excellent example of Clark’s mastery of the genre.
“I’ll Be Seeing You” (1993) — This book tells the story of a young woman who, after being released from prison for a crime she didn’t commit, sets out to clear her name and find the true culprit. This book is a compelling tale of redemption and revenge, and its twists and turns will keep readers guessing until the very end.
“Daddy’s Little Girl” (2002) — In this book, a successful businesswoman must confront her past when her father, who has been missing for years, is found dead in a car accident. This book is a gripping thriller that explores the complexities of family relationships and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
I really hope you enjoyed reading this and I really hope you check out Mary Higgins Clark’s books if you haven’t done that yet.
toodles :)
