by Mary Higgins Clark
Series: Under Suspicion #1
Narrator: Alafair Burke
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups
Television producer Laurie Moran is delighted when the pilot for her reality drama, Under Suspicion, is a success. Even more, the program - a cold case series that revisits unsolved crimes by recreating them with those affected - is off to a fantastic start when it helps solve an infamous murder in the very first episode. Now Laurie has the ideal case to feature in the next episode of Under Suspicion: the Cinderella Murder. When Susan Dempsey, a beautiful and multi-talented UCLA student, was found dead, her murder raised numerous questions. Why was her car parked miles from her body? Had she ever shown up for the acting audition she was due to attend at the home of an up-and-coming director? Why does Susan's boyfriend want to avoid questions about their relationship? Was her disappearance connected to a controversial church that was active on campus? Was she close to her computer science professor because of her technological brilliance, or something more? And why was Susan missing one of her shoes when her body was discovered? With the help of lawyer and Under Suspicion host Alex Buckley, Laurie knows the case will attract great ratings, especially when the former suspects include Hollywood's elite and tech billionaires. The suspense and drama are perfect for the silver screen - but is Cinderella's murderer ready for a close-up?
It has been a while since I read a mystery by Mary Higgins Clark and was excited to listen to The Cinderella Murder the first in the Under Suspicion series. The stories feature cold cases, unsolved murders for a television program and the Cinderella Murder introduced us to Laurie Moran the producer of the television series Under Suspicion. Clark offered a compelling campus mystery with plenty of likely suspects.
Five reasons to curl up with the Cinderella Murder this holiday season
- If you are a fan of unsolved murder mysteries and reality crime shows than Clark’s new series will delight you, as we interview those involved with the crime and piece together clues. Clark makes us privy to the behind the scenes workings of a reality drama show.
- The case is fascinating. Susan Dempsey a talented UCLA student is found dead. Despite suspects, the police were never able to solve the crime. Now ten years later thanks to her mother’s persistence Laurie Moran and her show Under Suspicion re-interview those closest to her and the lead suspects.
- Clark provides us with an interesting cast of characters. Laurie Moran and her young son know firsthand about unsolved crimes, and this makes Laurie very successful at her job. Laurie’s Dad, takes care of her young son. As a retired police officer, he aids the investigation. Laurie is intelligent, quick thinking and level headed. She loves her son and excels at her career. While not without flaws and luggage, she felt genuine. Alex Buckley is the host of Under Suspicion and a lawyer. Smooth and patient best describe Alex. I would like to see the man get a little excited. Friends and associates of the victim make for a curious case. Even Laurie’s young son makes an impact on the case at hand, notching up the suspense. Clark did an excellent job of fleshing out characters and we even see hints of romances. I loved how diverse the suspect list was from actors to scientists.
- The Cinderella Murder was a fantastic audio listen. Alafair Burke did a wonderful job of creating unique voices for each character. Her pacing, breath and emotions allowed me to slip into the story.
- Mary Higgins Clark is a seasoned author who knows how to let the story unfold, weaving in red herrings, clues and notching up the suspense. Nothing felt forced or rushed. The mystery was well crafted with an air of believability danger and action. I had a blast piecing things together and enjoyed the twists and turns.
For fans of reality dramas and murder mysteries, The Cinderella Murder will make a wonderful addition to your audio collection. I am looking forward to continuing this series on audio.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia
I love a good mystery, and this seems like it could be one. And I also like the hinting of a Cinderella themed murder, what with the victims shoes being missing. Looks like it could take a lot of twists to keep me guessing who it could be! I might go back and read the first one to begin with though 🙂 Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
This was a nice change up, and I have read a few reviews of the novel and it seems it was well liked by others as well.
Sharon
I haven’t read a murder mystery for a while and this one sounds pretty good!
kimbacaffeinate
It was good. Thanks Sharon 🙂
Stephanie
I have read many of her books over the years. I read one this summer (after not reading a book by Ms. Clark for a few years) and was instantly pulled into the story. She is quite the storyteller. A couple of years ago my mom and I went to hear Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter talk about writing. So fascinating! Glad to hear this is a great mystery!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree she is a masterful storyteller
Benish K.
I love murder mysteries, thank you for putting this under my radar now!
kimbacaffeinate
Anytime 🙂
Diana Leigh
I’m in awe of narrators who can create unique voices for many different characters, and then remember what each one sounds like throughout the book. That’s talent!
kimbacaffeinate
Seriously right..especially the ones in series
Cyn
It’s been ages since I’ve read a murder mystery! This one definitely sounds intriguing. Cold cases are always so interesting! Happy to hear this one was a lovely audiobook! Thanks for the review (:
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Cyn it was enjoyable
Michelle
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book by her, even though my mom’s shelves are packed full of them. Glad to hear that this one was worth listening to!
kimbacaffeinate
My situation as well. It was a nice change up
Lupdilup
I’d love to listen to this one on my trip, but I’m afraid I have to wait until I get back..I have to keep my listens light coz DH get in a talking mood a lot…LOL Poor thing…. But he likes to drive. But you can bet, I’ll be listening as soon as I get back 😉
Sounds great!
P.S. I’m not sure I got this on Tribber, but I could be wrong…I’ve been going crazy getting ready for the trip.
kimbacaffeinate
Lol..this would make a great car ride listen. I think it would hold his,attention as well.
Rashika
I saw this one on NG I believe and while I was intrigued I wasn’t intrigued enough to check it out, reading your review though, I feel like I should have! I love mysteries and while I haven’t read anything by the author this definitely sounds like a place to start (or that one book of hers I own :P)
Lovely review, Kimba!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed it. I have done that as well and kicked myself. .lol
Melanie Simmons
I read one book of hers for a college class, and that was a long time ago. I should try something from her again.
kimbacaffeinate
Yep..it has been forever for me too, I am really glad I accepted the audio for review..it was a nice change up
Melissa (Books and Things)
Hm… this might be the audio for me. In fact, I think I know someone who would enjoy this one as well. I don’t think she has read MHC. Thanks for the rec!
kimbacaffeinate
Well there ya go…a prezzie for you and a friend 🙂
Tyler H Jolley
I know this sounds ridiculous, but for some reason, MHC has been off my radar lately. I’m so glad you did this review and reminded me why I love her work so much.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..just read the previous 20 comments and you will find you are not alone. I haven’t read her book since I was teen.
Candace
I grew up on Mary Higgins Clark. My mom had all her books so of course I read them. I don’t remember even liking them particularly well. But my taste has changed a lot and this sounds like something I might really enjoy!
kimbacaffeinate
You crack me up, I use to love them as a teen. It was my grandmother’s bookshelf though
Debbie Haupt
It’s been a while for me too Kim for reading a Higgins-Clark mystery and you’ve just convinced me it’s been too long. Have a great weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
Who has been reading her books? It looks like we all were addicts at one time. I think I simply burned out, but this was fun!
Sam
Thanks for drawing my attention to this. Not usually a big mystery reader, but this sounds intriguing.
kimbacaffeinate
It is different and the tv show plot will appeal to a lot of non-mystery readers
Heidi
Gosh I haven’t read something by this author in years. I must pick her up again and this one sounds terrific. You are really knocking out the audiobooks lately. I need to get back to mine but the kids keep wanting to listen to Christmas music in the car.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, yes I have become a little audio addicted. Now that publishers are sending me audio copies expect to see more, well that and I am currently in a Briggs, Andrews Urban Fantasy addiction kick
Angela Adams
I can see this book being turned into a Lifetime TV movie. In the meantime, I’m on my way to buy it! Thanks for the post!!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I agree it would work as a movie. Enjoy!
Nick
I haven’t read a Mary Higgins Clark book in FOREVER, Kim! I used to devour her books! This sounds really interesting and I’m sure I’ll enjoy it too. I’ll have to go for a shopping trip to B&N and see if I can find this!
Lovely review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: it sounds like we all read her books intensely at one time! Enjoy Nick I was glad to rekindle with the author
Katherine
I haven’t read Clark in ages but I used to love her books! They were the perfect after finals books when I was in college because they didn’t require much brainpower and pulled you in almost immediately. I’ll have to look for this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..it looks like we all took a trip down memory lane.
Carmel
I’m already up to 25 titles on my 2015 Audiobook Challenge goals, and it’s looking like this one is going to be #26. I simply adore Mary Higgins Clark’s writing style, and I have yet to listen to any of her novels, so Cinderella Murder will help me kill two birds with one stone.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I haven’t thought that far ahead, I know there will be Kate Daniels, Alpha and Omega books, Anna Bishop and Stephen King for sure in my audio pile for 2015
Sophia Rose
I have a horrid confession. I have yet to read a Mary Higgins Clark story and I love mysteries. This does sound really good. I love the Cold Case show on TV.
Thanks for sharing, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
No worries, it has been 20 some years since I last read her
Laurel-Rain Snow
I have enjoyed MHC books for years, but until recently, it had been a while. Then I read I’ve Got You Under My Skin, the book that also features Laurie Moran and the launching of the Under Suspicion series.
I have The Cinderella Murder waiting on my stacks to begin the New Year. Thanks for sharing…
kimbacaffeinate
I see a trend we all fell away from her books. I think you can OD on a genre/author
kindlemom1
I use to devour her books and then the last few that I read just weren’t up to her usual greatness and I took a break from her work but when I saw this I just knew I needed to read it. You don’t even know how excited I am to see this is fabulous Kim! I am so happy that it is because her books truly, are the ones that got me back into reading in high school so yay!
kimbacaffeinate
That is too bad, it has been almost 20 years or more for me
Cynthia
I love Mary Higgins Clark. I just haven’t read her in a while. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I use to read them as a teen, and was excited to listen
Jennifer Bielman
I love unsolved murder mysteries! As long as I don’t know who done it right away, I hate that. I want to be surprised.
kimbacaffeinate
No this was fairly well laid out with twists to keep you guessing
Tanja
It’s been a while since I have read any of Clark’s stories but this one seems really interesting. I love crime shows so this one might be a right book for me. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad I am not the only one who hasn’t read her works in a while
Alreem
The Cinderella Murder ,, this is a really interesting title ,, make me want to read the book although I’m not a Huge fan of Mystry book 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
If you like cold cases and the like you would enjoy this
Camille
It has been ages since I last read a Mary Higgins Clark book. I sometimes miss reading her books. They’re the most books I have of any author really, since I read almost nothing but her when I was in high school many, many years ago. I’m so happy she’s still writing books. I haven’t tried an audiobook of her story yet so maybe I’ll get one when I receive my next Audible credit lol 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
The audio was good, and it was nice way to experience this author again
blodeuedd
I read her books when I was like 11-12 and then stopped…hm, I must have liked mystery once upon a time
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly Linda..my grandmother had a whole shelf of them and I remembered enjoying them
Melliane
Oh it’s been a while since I’ve read a book by this author but I’m intrigued now and I love the cover and the title. The story is different from what I expected but I want to try!
kimbacaffeinate
Right..me too! This was fun
Trish
MHC was my introduction to the world of crime books and I’ll always be thankful to her for opening that door for me. I read all her books so I know I’ll get to this sometime. I do like her characters so I’m glad you mention them as a highlight in this one too.
kimbacaffeinate
It has been at least 15-20 years since I have read her books and it was wonderful experiencing it through audio