Alafair Burke is better than this and Mary Higgins Clark used to be better than this. Its a shame that two women who have done so much for the murder mystery genre have managed to put together such a sad, misogynistic, mansplainy, law enforcement glorifying, silly book.

Its like they had a bingo card for all the cliched murder tropes and tired stereotypes that I thought we were long past in this day and age and gleefully checked them off as they went. Delicate, traumatized women who can't do a damn thing unless a man holds their hand? Check. Victim blaming (so much victim blaming)? Check. Outdated ideas about everything from drug addiction to adoption? Check. Glorifying horrendous tactics by the police to get a collar? Check. Ladies realizing that all they really need in the world is a designer wardrobe and a good man to tell them what to do!? Check, check, check.

I not only disliked this book, it made me genuinely angry.

Another good mystery in the Clark/Burke partnership. Having read all the books in the series, this wasn't one of my favorites but it was a good entertaining read. Love how all of the same characters are back in this latest book. I enjoy reading books with reoccurring characters! Fans of MH Clark and/or Alafair Burke will enjoy this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

A reliably good mystery in the Laurie Moran series. As Laurie is about to marry Alex Buckley, a strange kidnapping intrudes on their plans. The victim is Alex’ nephew. Laurie and her father pursue the kidnappers with plenty of red herrings thrown in.

I am wondering if this series will continue now that Mary Higgins Clark has passed away. This was no one of the best in this series.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.