Where Are the Children Now? by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke

***My Review ***

If you’re looking for a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further than Where Are The Children Now? This long-awaited sequel to Mary Higgins Clark’s debut novel does not disappoint. Alafair Burke seamlessly weaves together the old and new threads of this story, delivering a fast-paced, nail-biting thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end.

The story starts by reintroducing us to the characters and setting the stage for the new mystery that unfolds. Like the first book, there are multiple plotlines, suspects, and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. The authors expertly weave these elements together to create a complex and engrossing narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the way it seamlessly incorporated backstory for new readers while still satisfying longtime fans. Even if you haven’t read the first book, you can easily follow along with the story and understand the characters’ histories. At the same time, there are plenty of nods to the previous book that will make readers who are familiar with the story feel right at home.

To begin with, I must say first read Where Are the Children? years ago and it was my introduction to Mary Higgins Clark’s work. Since then, I’ve read everything she’s written and even discovered Alastair Burke through her. 

Furthermore, the characters in this novel are well-developed and relatable, especially as they struggle with the trauma of their past. Melissa, in particular, is a complex and engaging protagonist, and her journey to prove her innocence and protect her stepdaughter is both heart-wrenching and thrilling.

Burke’s writing style is reminiscent of Mary Higgins Clark’s, and she expertly uses the same techniques and voice as the classic mystery writer. The true crime podcast angle adds a modern twist to the story, making it relevant and engaging for today’s readers.

One of the strengths of this novel is Burke’s ability to build tension and suspense. From the opening pages, the reader is drawn into the story, and the tension only builds from there. The novel is filled with twists and turns, and just when the reader thinks they have everything figured out, Burke throws in another surprise.

The pacing of the novel is also excellent, with the tension building steadily until it reaches a fever pitch in the final pages. This is a book that is hard to put down, and readers will find themselves turning pages late into the night, eager to find out what happens next.

Another aspect of this novel that I appreciated was the attention to detail. Burke clearly did her research, and it shows in the way that she describes the legal system, the police investigation, and the various settings in the book. Everything feels realistic and believable, which only adds to the tension and suspense.

The characters in this novel are also a major strength. Melissa, in particular, is a complex and engaging protagonist. She is a successful lawyer who has had to overcome a great deal of trauma in her past, and her struggle to protect her stepdaughter and prove her own innocence is both heart-wrenching and thrilling.

Mike, Melissa’s brother, is also a well-drawn character. As a professional boat captain, he has a unique perspective on the investigation, and his loyalty to his sister is unwavering. Charles, Melissa’s husband, is perhaps the least well-developed of the main characters, but he still feels like a believable and relatable character.

The true crime podcast angle is another interesting aspect of the novel. Melissa’s podcast adds a modern twist to the story, and it is clear that Burke put a lot of thought and effort into crafting the podcast segments. They add an extra layer of depth to the story, and they help to keep the reader engaged throughout.

While there are a few minor flaws in the novel, such as the lack of fleshing out of the criminal character’s change in identity and some inconsistencies in Missy’s behavior, they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel. The flaws are minor compared to the strengths of the novel, and they are unlikely to bother most readers.

In conclusion, Where Are The Children Now? is a fantastic read that is sure to delight both old fans and new readers. Alafair Burke has done an excellent job of crafting a sequel that feels true to the spirit of the original novel while still bringing something new to the table. The tension and suspense are top-notch, the characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the attention to detail is impressive. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good thriller!