I have enjoyed the Under Suspicion series and am glad to see it finish strong. This final book gives closure to the major life events of the consistent characters. While also solving the mystery of a missing child; a member of Alex Buckley’s family. There’s lots of characters and merging story lines that kept me attentive. This final book by Mary Higgins Clark is bittersweet. She generously dedicated it to her readers. ( )

Really enjoyable mystery. I'm sad that it's the last we get to read of Mary Higgins Clark, but this is a good finish to a remarkable career.

Laurie Moran is finally saying "I do". Her long awaited marriage to Alex Buckley is set to take place. However, before they can head off to wedded bliss, Alex's nephew goes missing. Unsure of what motive anyone would have for a kidnapping, Laurie has to piece together a bunch of clues in order to solve the case.

Perfect beach/summer reading. ( )

The Queen of Suspense Mary Higgins Clark sadly passed away last year, and her latest collaboration with talented mystery writer Alafair Burke is Piece of My Heart. True crime TV show producer Laurie Moran is preparing for her wedding in the Hamptons when her young nephew Johnny goes missing from the beach.

Did he drown in the ocean or was lured away by someone? Does the fact that Johnny resembles Laurie’s son Timmy mean that Timmy was the target? Laurie’s husband and Timmy’s father was murdered, and Laurie’s job means being involved with dangerous criminals at times, so that possibility had to be considered.

Laurie’s father is a retired high level police officer in the NYPD, and he becomes convinced that a man he put behind bars years ago is behind it. The man has made recent accusations that Laurie’s dad lied about his confession that help lead to his conviction.

Piece of My Heart grabs the reader right away and never lets go, and although we know that Johnny is alive, the puzzle to discover who took him and why is one that will keep the reader guessing until very near the end. The book is part of a series, but you don’t have to have read any of the others to follow this one. It will encourage you to read the others in this excellent series. ( )

Piece of my Heart by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke is a 2021 Simon & Schuster publication.

This last installment in the ‘Under Suspicion’ series is a very bittersweet conclusion to the series.

It is time for the long- awaited nuptials for Laurie and Alex- but before they can exchange vows, Alex’s nephew goes missing. As the puzzle deepens, lives are put on hold, and a child’s life is at stake.

Knowing this is the last book in the series make it a little special. It is different from the standpoint that Laurie’s show is not in the forefront, as in the past. However, a cold case is still inserted into the plot via an old case of Laurie’s father, which could be connected to the current day kidnapping.

This is fast-paced installment that kept me on my toes. I never would have worked out whodunit or why, and fell right into the trap set for me.

Although I hate to see the series conclude- having hoped Alafair Burke might consider taking reigns- I think the series ended on a high note.

4 stars ( )