I was beyond excited when I first saw the publication for this book and even more excited to be granted early access! Mary Higgins Clark will always be one of my favorite authors of all time and I was delighted to see her legacy living on with Alafair Burke. I remember when I was first introduced to her books by my mother when I was 16. Where are the Children? (1975), her debut novel, was my very first read of hers. I loved it so much that I went to my local library and started requesting all of her books in the order that they were written. Almost thirty years later, I am proud to say that I have read them all. I know that this is a book review, but I felt that it was necessary to honor the "queen of suspense" for her wonderful stories and for the love of reading that she instilled in me. Her passing was devastating to the book community and she will be sadly missed.

Where are the Children Now? takes place decades after the first novel. Mike and Melissa are now adults and still living with the trauma of being abducted when they were children. When Melissa's step-daughter, Riley, goes missing, the investigation starts to lead in her direction as being the prime suspect. This scenario is all too familiar to their mother, Nancy, who was accused of killing her first two children in the original book as well as causing the disappearance of Mike and Melissa when they were kids. When Melissa begins to search for clues into Riley's disappearance on her own, disturbing information comes to light that will have her whole world come crashing down around her.

I absolutely loved this book! A bit of a slow start, but after the first few chapters I was sold. The suspense was gripping and the twists and turns were classic Clark-style. It was a fast and easy read that had me clicking the pages very quickly to see what would happen next. I definitely recommend this one to all of MHC's fans and to all readers who love suspense! I am hoping that MHC left behind more writings that Burke can help bring to life.

Thank you to the authors, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion!! We love you Mary Higgins Clark!!!

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Simon & Schuster and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own. 
WARNING: May contain details relevant to the story, possible spoilers.

To say I'm a fan of Mary Higgins Clark and her body of work, is possibly a grand understatment. Mary Higgins Clark is the Grand Dame of the cozy genre mysteries. They're not gruesome, graphic or overwrought in the way of the death, murder details. When she passed in '20, we lost a true master.
Alafair Burke is a long time collaborator, a true master, as well.
Where Are the Children Now is a sequel for the masterful Where Are the Children. Mellisa and Mike are aduls, Nancy's ready for the next stage in her life. When Melissa's new stepdaughter goes missing, all eyes are on Melissa and her family. Is the past coming back to haunt them, or is it a series of unfortunate coincidences?
While Mary Higgins Clark will be missed, Alafair Burke fills the void.

I did re-read the 1975 original prior to this thriller and what an incredible 5 star read that was. So incredibly plotted with well written characters. It’s a bit dated (telephone operators and a LOT of instant coffee), but it’s a reminder that crime fiction before technology was as compelling as it is now.

In the forward, Simon & Schuster’s executive editor reveals that longtime collaborator Alafair Burke weaves “in Easter eggs like memorable phrases and descriptions from the original novel that devoted fans will recognize and savor.” (So, I do recommend you read the original first). Regrettably Mary, the “Queen of Suspense” died in 2020 at the age of 92, so this novel is also a monument to the legacy of strong women protagonists in the thrillers and mysteries that she created.

It’s over 40 years since Nancy Harmon Eldredge discovered who murdered and molested her two small children and also tried to murder the children of her second marriage. Now her beloved husband Ray Eldredge died a year ago; Missy/Melissa is a successful lawyer, best-selling author and podcaster; and Mike is a boat captain in the Caribbean.

The original novel treaded carefully about child molestation, but the sequel has Mike confronting Missy regarding what happened to them. Melissa is finally going to grief counseling but still suffers nightmares regarding the past. The no-tech plot of 1975 is now infused with apps, bitcoin, Instagram trolls, GPS location sharing, and a luxe AirBNB business that deals in anonymity.

Melissa is about to marry Charlie, a widow with a three year old daughter, Riley. His late wife, Linda, died in a drowning accident shortly after Riley was born. Melissa had been engaged to Patrick, who mysteriously broke off their relationship a year and a half ago. Charlie also has a sister Rachel who refuses to attend the wedding for unknown reasons.

Six weeks later, as Nancy is relocating to the Hamptons from Cape Cod, her children Mike and Melissa are assisting while Charlie is out of the country, Riley goes missing. Mike and Melissa reach back to their own past abduction memories to find clues. They were kidnapped by their mother’s creepy first husband who had murdered and molested his own children. Is there a rogue ex or relative involved here?

The plot is twisty and intelligent and worthy of Mary Higgins Clark. It’s one of those read-in-one-sitting mysteries for a dreary afternoon. And even with great weather, the overwhelming sense of dread and concern for Riley will keep you breathing hard until the end. 5 stars!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Hazel and blue ones, but no green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Roses on cakes only, and those are always in season

I loved the series by Burke and Clark, but was very disappointed by this pickup of a novel written by Clark many years ago. I found it confusing and unrealistic. The twists and turns depend on a total suspension of disbelief. I am not capable of doing that.

Melissa is a very likable, intelligent protagonist, but the twists that got her involved with her “conman” spouse don’t seem authentic.

I hope Alafair Burke goes back to her own wonderful series and doesn’t go down this route again. I long to read more about Laurie!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

I'm a big MHC fan! I have every book and have enjoyed them.
She is the lady who started my love for the mystery genre.

I enjoyed the first book WATC so I was super excited even shocked when I seen the approval email.

Where Are the Children Now? By Mary Higgins Clark; Alafair Burke was a very well written book and had me turning the pages as fast as I could.
The plots weave a very interesting story and the characters are so real.
The characters are well developed in the story which makes the book even more interesting.
A mind blowing and thrilling story that I recommend.
If you enjoy mystery, you would definitely enjoy this novel full of surprises.
Alafair Burke created such a vivid, suspenseful and remarkable read here with WATCN?

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Simon & Schuster,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this eARC!