| Product: |
Before I Say Goodbye - Mary Higgins Clarke |
| Date: |
06.05.08 (25 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: an absorbing read
Disadvantages: none
I'm an avid crime reader. In fact it's pretty much the only kind of book I read. It's not even deliberate, it just keeps happening. But then there are so many subtypes within crime writing that one isn't really sticking to the same thing.
I started enjoying MHC's books some eight years ago, and I have by now read most of them. Other reviewers of her work have often commented that she seems to follow a certain pattern. I have to agree. It can be summarized that the always female lead character is either a witness to something or even marginally involved in something but without being guilty of anything. Someone else pursues her to either silence her or gain otherwise.
In a few others the lead character's job or hobby leads her into the path of a dangerous criminal.
The books are not predictable on an individual basis though. There are those who claim otherwise, but the closest thing to "I knew all along who did it " is that you consider the real criminal along with other possible suspect. Besides, one doesn't necessarily want to know in advance, suspense is the whole point. MHC is known for dropping clues, even incriminating many characters for the sake of suspense. The main source of enjoyment in her books is the suspense created by everyone's skeletons.
Nell McDermot is grieving for her husband after his death in a boat explosion. So far she hasn't had answers or closure, but she is contacted by a medium who claims to be in touch with her dead husband. It comes to light that the explosion was no accident. Shortly afterwards Nell seems to be receiving instructions from Adam. The danger she is in is growing and there is the possibility that she just might see Adam after all.
On the whole I enjoyed this book as much as others by MHC. The story was suspenseful and satisfactory, the characters interesting and sympathetic. I won't add more details for the sake of those who may want to read it. The stories are fast paced and easy to read, even in one sitting if you have the time. At the same time she uses language well and never slips into being trivial.
Mary Higgins Clark was born in December 1927 and first tried her hand at writing at the age of seven. She first attempted to publish at 16 but was rejected. As a young woman she worked as a stewardess with Pan Am. In the 1960 she wrote radio scripts and short stories. Shortly after she published her first full length book. So far she has written 24 suspense novels, a fictional biography about George Washington, her autobiography and a ghost story. She has also written a number of books with her daughter Carol, who is also an author in her own right. MHC is referred to as the Queen of Suspense and has won several awards.
Summary: fun in Mary Higgins usual style
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