Mary Higgins Clark Books in Order 85+ Mysteries: Ultimate Guide

Book Writing

Mary Higgins Clark was born on December 24, 1927, in the Bronx, New York.

After the death of her father in 1939, she faced financial difficulties, and challenges and struggles marked her early years.

Higgins Clark developed a passion for writing from a young age and sold her first story to a magazine at 16.

Clark began her Professional book writing career as a short-story writer and later turned to writing suspense novels, becoming known as the “Queen of Suspense.”

Early Life and Writing Career:

She attended secretarial school and worked as a secretary to support her family while continuing to write.

During the Great Depression, things were hard for her family, and when her father died, things got even worse. Higgins Clark also helped because her mother did everything she could for the family.

She had many jobs to make extra money. Before she married Warren Clark, her first husband, she was a waitress for Pan American Airways.

Higgins Clark had always known she wanted to be a writer, but it would take a long time and a lot of failures before she could make her dream come true.

After years of being turned down, she sold her first short story to a major magazine in 1956. In 1964, Clark, her husband, had a heart attack and died. He was only 45 years old. Mary Higgins Clark, who had five children, was only 36. After that, she wrote short stories to make money for her family.

In 1969, her first book came out. In 1975, her second book, her first thriller, came out. Her books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States. Her book “Where Are the Children?” became a big hit.

Every single one of her full-length books sold a lot of copies. Additionally, in 1988, she was the first author who worked alone to get an eight-figure deal for a multi-book deal that guaranteed her at least $10.1 million.

She was a member of Mystery Writers of America her whole life. People lovingly call her “The Queen of Suspense.” She died in 2020 when she was 92 years old.

Pursuing Writing:

Despite rejection, Mary Higgins Clark never gave up on her dream of becoming a novelist.

She wrote stories for magazines and eventually transitioned into writing longer works, including radio scripts and plays.

In the 1960s, she began writing suspense novels, initially under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott.

List of Mary Higgins Clark Books in Order:

Here is a list compiled by the Ghostwriting Founder to make it easy for the readers:

Alvirah and Willy Stories:

1. “Weep No More, My Lady” (1987)
2. “The Lottery Winner: Alvirah and Willy Stories” (1994)
3. “All Through the Night” (1998)
4. “Deck the Halls” (2000)
5. “The Christmas Thief” (2004)
6. “Santa Cruise” (2006)
7. “Dashing Through the Snow” (2008)
8. “I’ll Walk Alone” (2011)
9. “The Lost Years” (2012)
10. “As Time Goes By” (2016)
11. “All by Myself, Alone” (2017)

Where Are the Children? Books in Publication Order

1. “Where Are the Children?” (1975)
2. “Where Are the Children Now?” (2023) (with Alafair Burke)

Under Suspicion series (co-written with Alafair Burke):

1. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” (2014)
2. “The Cinderella Murder” (2014)
3. “All Dressed in White” (2015)
4. “The Sleeping Beauty Killer” (2016)
5. “Every Breath You Take” (2017)
6. “You Don’t Own Me” (2018)
7. “Piece of My Heart” (2020)

Malice Domestic Series in Publication Order

1. Malice Domestic 1, 1992, with Elizabeth Peters
2. Malice Domestic 2, 1993
3. More Malice Domestic, 1997, with Elizabeth Peters

Short Stories in Publication Order

1. “Death at the Cape” (1989)
2. “Lucky Day” (1989)
3. “Terror Stalks the Class Reunion” (1990)
4. “The Lost Angel” (1990)
5. “The Body in the Closet” (1995)
6. “Double Vision” (1998)

Regan Reilly Series in Publication Order

1. Deck the Halls, 2001 (with Carol Higgins Clark)
2. Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea, 2006 (with Carol Higgins Clark)
3. The Christmas Thief, 2006 (with Carol Higgins Clark)
4. Dashing Through the Snow, 2008 (with Carol Higgins Clark)

Anthologies Edited or Including Stories by Mary Higgins Clark

1. Murder on the Aisle, 1987
2. Caribbean Blues, 1988
3. Women of Mystery, 1992, with Faye Kellerman and Cynthia Manson
4. Bad Behavior, 1995
5. The Plot Thickens, 1997
6. The Mammoth Book of Twentieth-Century Ghost Stories, 1998
7. The Night Awakens, 1998 (in the Mystery Writers of America Presents series)
8. Great Mystery Series, 2000, with Lawrence Block and Ralph McInerny
9. Manhattan Mayhem, 2015 (in the Mystery Writers of America Presents series)

Standalone Novels:

1. “Aspire to the Heavens” (1969) – later republished as “Mount Vernon Love Story”
2. “Where Are the Children?” (1975)
3. “A Stranger Is Watching” (1977)
4. “The Cradle Will Fall” (1980)
5. “A Cry in the Night” (1982)
6. “Still watch” (1984)
7. “While My Pretty One Sleeps” (1989)
8. “Loves Music, Loves to Dance” (1991)
9. “All Around the Town” (1992)
10. “I’ll Be Seeing You” (1993)
11. “Remember Me” (1994)
12. “Pretend You Don’t See Her” (1995)
13. “You Belong to Me” (1998)
14. “Moonlight Becomes You” (1996)
15. “My Gal Sunday: Henry and Sunday Stories” (1996)
16. “Silent Night” (1996)
17. “On the Street Where You Live” (2001)
18. “Daddy’s Little Girl” (2002)
19. “The Second Time Around” (2003)
20. “Nighttime Is My Time” (2004)
21. “No Place Like Home” (2005)
22. “Two Little Girls in Blue” (2006)
23. “I Heard That Song Before” (2007)
24. “Where Are You Now?” (2008)
25. “Just Take My Heart” (2009)
26. “The Shadow of Your Smile” (2010)
27. “Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting” (2013)
28. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” (2014)
29. “The Melody Lingers On” (2015)
30. “The Sleeping Beauty Killer” (2016)
31. “All by Myself, Alone” (2017)
32. “Every Breath You Take” (2017)
33. “I’ve Got My Eyes on You” (2018)
34. “You Don’t Own Me” (2018)
35. “Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry” (2019)
36. “Death Wears a Beauty Mask and Other Stories” (2019)
37. “Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry” (2019)
38. “Piece of My Heart” (2020)

Below are the 15 books explained in detail:

“Aspire to the Heavens” (1969)

It was later republished by the private publishing assistance agency as “Mount Vernon Love Story,” which delves into the romantic relationship between George Washington and his wife, Martha. It offers a fictionalized account of their courtship, marriage, and challenges during the American Revolution.

“Where Are the Children?” (1975)

This gripping thriller follows Nancy Harmon, a young mother who relocates to Cape Cod to escape a tragic past. However, tragedy strikes again when her two young children mysteriously disappear. As suspicion falls on Nancy, she must unravel the truth and find her children before it’s too late.

“A Stranger Is Watching” (1977)

Amidst the bustling streets of New York City, single mother Sharon Martin’s life turns into a nightmare when a notorious serial killer kidnaps her young daughter. The tension escalates as Sharon teams up with a journalist and a detective to race against time and rescue her daughter.

“The Cradle Will Fall” (1980)

Set in a hospital, this suspenseful tale revolves around Dr. Paige Taylor, who becomes entangled in a web of deception and murder. As she investigates a series of suspicious deaths, she realizes that someone is determined to keep dark secrets buried.

“A Cry in the Night” (1982)

It is one of the good psychology books by Higgins. In this, Jenny MacPartland marries a charismatic man named Erich Krueger. However, as dark events unfold, Jenny’s fear deepens when she starts to suspect that her husband may not be who he claims to be. With mounting questions about his past, she is determined to uncover the truth before it consumes her.

“Stillwatch” (1984)

Television journalist Patricia Traymore investigates an aspiring presidential candidate’s past, only to find herself immersed in a dangerous game of secrets and murder. As Patricia uncovers a shocking conspiracy, she realizes her life is in grave danger.

“While My Pretty One Sleeps” (1989)

Neeve Kearny, a talented fashion journalist, finds herself caught up in a deadly mystery following the murder of her mother, a renowned model. As she digs deeper into her mother’s life, Neeve uncovers a network of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while becoming the killer’s next target.

“Loves Music, Loves to Dance” (1991)

Erin Kelley embarks on a dangerous investigation after her friend is murdered, seemingly in connection to her habit of posting personal ads to find love. Erin’s search for the truth leads her down a dark and twisted path, revealing a serial killer with a chilling fascination with his victims.

“All Around the Town” (1992)

Laurie Kenyon, a college student haunted by her traumatic past, becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. As she struggles to prove her innocence, Laurie faces a relentless detective, dark family secrets, and her fragile mental state.

“I’ll Be Seeing You” (1993)

Sisters Lacey Farrell and Erin D’Angelo reunite when each receives a threatening letter. Together, they face danger and uncover a shocking family secret while dismantling a dangerous criminal operation.

“Remember Me” (1994)

Menley Nichols, a successful writer, survives a brutal attack that leaves her with no memory of the incident. To rebuild her life, she moves to Cape Cod with her husband. However, as unsettling fragments of her past resurface, Menley questions whether her loved ones can be trusted.

“Pretend You Don’t See Her” (1995)

Real estate agent Lacey Farrell becomes a key eyewitness to a murder and is placed in the Witness Protection Program. While trying to start a new life, she discovers that danger is still close at hand and that her new identity may not be enough to protect her.

“You Belong to Me” (1998)

A radio show host, Dr. Susan Chandler, delves into a murder investigation while working on a series about missing women. As she gets closer to the truth, Susan finds herself entangled in a deadly game orchestrated by a cunning killer.

“Moonlight Becomes You” (1996)

Maggie Holloway attends the funeral of her childhood friend, who supposedly died in an accident. However, she becomes suspicious when inconsistencies arise. Determined to uncover the truth, Maggie embarks on a quest that leads her into the dangerous world of secrets and deceit.

“My Gal Sunday: Henry and Sunday Stories” (1996)

This collection of short stories introduces readers to the adventures of Henry Parker Britland IV, a former president, and his wife, Sunday. Together, they navigate various mysteries and challenges, showcasing their intelligence and knack for solving crimes.

Breakthrough Success:

Mary Higgins Clark achieved her breakthrough success with her novel, “Where Are the Children?” (1975), which became a bestseller.

The success of this book catapulted her career and established her as a prominent author in the suspense genre.

Her subsequent books continued to gain popularity and became known for their gripping plots, relatable characters, and unexpected twists.

Literary Contributions and Awards:

Her books have been translated into numerous languages throughout her career and sold millions of copies globally.

She received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the literary world, including the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

Collaboration with Daughter and Series:

Mary Higgins Clark collaborated with her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark, on multiple books, including the popular holiday-themed mysteries.

She also co-authored the “Under Suspicion” series with Alafair Burke, which featured television producer Laurie Moran.

Philanthropy and Personal Life:

Higgins Clark was a generous philanthropist, actively involved in various charitable causes.

She established the Mary Higgins Clark Award, which honors outstanding suspense novels.

Higgins Clark valued her family and maintained a strong connection with her readers, often responding to their letters personally.

Legacy and Lasting Impact:

Mary Higgins Clark’s impact on the suspense genre and her ability to captivate readers with her storytelling skills solidified her position as the “Queen of Suspense.”

Her books continue to enthrall readers worldwide, and her legacy lives on through her extensive work.

The journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most beloved and successful authors in her genre inspires aspiring writers. It demonstrates the power of perseverance, dedication, and a passion for storytelling.

Main Attributes and Elaborate Information

Category	Details	Specific Examples or Notes
Early Life	Born in Bronx, NY (1927). Faced financial struggles after father’s death (1939).	Developed passion for writing early; sold first story at 16.
Professional Career	Began as a short-story writer, later known as “Queen of Suspense.”	First book published in 1969; breakthrough with “Where Are the Children?” (1975).
Challenges	Widowed at 36 with five children.	Turned to writing for financial support.
Writing Style	Known for suspense novels with gripping plots and unexpected twists.	“A Stranger Is Watching,” “A Cry in the Night,” etc.
Collaborations	Worked with daughter Carol Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke.	Co-authored holiday-themed mysteries and “Under Suspicion” series.
Awards and Legacy	Received numerous awards including the Grand Master Award.	Established the Mary Higgins Clark Award.
Impact and Philanthropy	Generous philanthropist, established a strong connection with readers.	Inspired many with her journey from humble beginnings to success.

Conclusion:

Over the years, Mary Higgins Clark penned a staggering 85+ mysteries, each masterpiece in its own right. Her ability to craft compelling characters, intricate puzzles, and unexpected twists elevated her novels to unparalleled heights.

From the chilling suspense of “A Stranger Is Watching” to the psychological depth of “A Cry in the Night,” Clark’s works kept readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth hidden within her meticulously woven narratives.