Mary Higgins Clark Books In Order

Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Publication Order of Alvirah and Willy Books

with Carol Higgins Clark

Publication Order of Under Suspicion Books

with Alafair Burke

Publication Order of Where Are The Children Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Regan Reilly Mystery Books

with Carol Higgins Clark

Publication Order of Anthologies

During her lifetime, American author Mary Higgins Clark wrote an impressive 51 bestselling suspense novels that sold over 100 million copies in the U.S. Her debut thriller remained in print for decades, reaching 75 printings. Creating tense stories with relatable characters, she captivated readers worldwide.

She began writing young and worked various jobs before becoming an author. After her husband’s passing, she wrote radio scripts before switching to novels. Following the release of her first novel, she would go on to find subsequent success writing suspense stories she loved. Several family members became writers too.

Clark received 18 honorary doctorates and numerous awards, including the Horatio Alger Award. She was also honored for her Irish heritage with medals and hall of fame inductions. And not only that, but the Catholic Church gave her several distinguished titles for her contributions.

She served as president of the Mystery Writers of America and chaired the International Crime Congress. Later, her publisher went on to create the Mary Higgins Clark Award for suspense writers. She also served on hospital and charity boards.

Readers loved her clear, suspenseful storytelling with perfect pacing and surprising twists. She drew inspiration from real-life experiences and psychic phenomena. This authentic approach gave her work timeless appeal.

Clark proved writing what you love can achieve both critical and popular success. Her legacy continues through her award and still-popular novels. Aspiring writers study her techniques while fans still enjoy her thrillers. Her career is a testament to the fact that powerful storytelling endures.

Early and Personal Life

Mary Theresa Eleanor Higgins was born on Christmas Eve 1927, growing up in a Bronx household shaped by her Irish-American roots. Her father’s thriving pub kept the family comfortable until his sudden passing in 1939, which dramatically changed their circumstances. Even as a child, Mary demonstrated a creative spirit, composing poems and plays from age seven while carefully documenting her world in journals. These early writings revealed the keen observational skills that would later define her novels.

The Great Depression eventually forced the Higgins family to take in boarders to make ends meet. Her brother Joseph’s remarkable recovery from a life-threatening infection showed Mary the power of community support, though tragedy struck again when he died during Navy service. At Villa Maria Academy, her teachers recognized and encouraged her vivid imagination, encouraging and nurturing her talent. During her teenage years, a job as a hotel switchboard operator became unexpected research, as she absorbed guests’ conversations while fantasizing about her future writing career.

Mary married Warren Clark in 1949, balancing motherhood to five children with her writing ambitions. After Warren’s death in 1964, she supported her family by writing radio scripts before breaking through as a novelist. The emotional depth from her personal struggles infused her suspense fiction with authenticity. Later in life, she enjoyed success with homes in New Jersey, Manhattan, and Florida.

Clark’s 51 bestselling novels earned her status as one of America’s most cherished authors. In 2011, she proudly served as Grand Marshal of New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, celebrating her Irish heritage. When she passed away in 2020 at age 92, she left behind a literary legacy that transformed personal discovery into universally compelling suspense fiction. Her remarkable journey from the Bronx to master storyteller continues to inspire writers and readers alike.

Writing Career

Mary Higgins Clark’s writing career began with short stories in the 1950s, selling her first piece in 1956 after numerous rejections. Following her husband’s passing, she wrote radio scripts before transitioning to novels. Her 1974 suspense novel Where Are the Children? became a surprise bestseller, launching her successful career.

Clark published 51 suspense novels that all became bestsellers, with many adapted for television. She occasionally collaborated with her daughter Carol on Christmas mysteries and published a children’s book in 2006. Her career demonstrated how perseverance could transform life experiences into hugely popular fiction.

From early rejections to international success, Clark’s clean, suspenseful writing style captivated millions. Her novels remain widely read, cementing her legacy as a master of the suspense genre.

Where Are the Children?

Mary Higgins Clark’s mystery thriller Where Are the Children? was published in 1975 by Simon & Schuster as her breakthrough novel. This marked Clark’s first major success in the suspense genre and launched her celebrated writing career. It became the inaugural title in her Where Are the Children series, establishing Clark as a master of psychological suspense. In 1986 it would also be made into a film, directed by Bruce Malmuth, written by Jack Sholder, and starring Jill Clayburgh in the lead-role.

Nancy Harmon escaped her tragic past – a failed marriage, her children’s deaths, and criminal accusations – by changing her identity and moving to Cape Cod. After remarrying and having two new children, her life seemed renewed. But when her children vanish, leaving only a single red mitten, her worst fears resurface. The haunting pattern from her past appears to be repeating itself.

Clark’s gripping debut delivers masterful suspense as a mother’s nightmare resurfaces. Tense, atmospheric storytelling makes this psychological thriller impossible to put down. A must-read for mystery fans.

Two Little Girls in Blue

Mary Higgins Clark’s mystery thriller Two Little Girls in Blue was published in 2006 by Simon & Schuster. This novel marked another successful entry in Clark’s acclaimed suspense catalog. Set in Connecticut, it would provide its own self-contained mystery, not being a part of any series as such.

Margaret and Steve Frawley return from a New York event to find their three-year-old twins missing, with an unconscious babysitter and ransom demand. After paying eight million dollars, they recover only Kelly, with the driver’s suicide note claiming Kathy died accidentally. During Kathy’s memorial, Kelly insists her twin is alive and scared of “that lady,” communicating detailed warnings that only Margaret initially believes. The FBI launches an urgent investigation based on Kelly’s unsettling statements.

Higgins Clark delivers another gripping thriller with, masterfully blending parental terror with supernatural intrigue. This page-turner keeps readers guessing until the final revelation.

Book Series In Order » Authors » Mary Higgins Clark

8 Responses to “Mary Higgins Clark”

1. Nicole: 6 months ago

   I have loved Mary Higgins Clark since I can remember. Like many people say, she had me hooked with Where Are the Children? And then my favorite is The Cradle Will Fall. But otherwise, all of her books reels me in and I have a hard time putting her down!

   Reply
2. Catherine: 1 year ago

   I just got done with “Where Are the Children Now?” I love how she has you thinking it’s someone that did, but by the end it turns out to be someone else. Love her books!

   Reply
3. G combs: 2 years ago

   Picked up a MH Clark book with Alafair Burke, Where are the Children Now?
   Realized it was a sequel to Where are the Children.Wow, what a writer! Loved the first and onto the second. Looking forward to reading more of Mrs. Clarks’ novels.

   Reply
4. Rebecca J Leer: 2 years ago

   Mary has been my favorite author since receiving my first book written by her for my graduation in `1978′ “Where are the Children?” ever since that time i would buy any and all books I could find written by Mary. Garage Sales, stores, on line. I have re-read many of them. I feel like I’m part of the story when I’m ready her books. LOVE – LOVE – THEM WILL MISS HER TERRIBLY, she was excellent at pulling you into each story and not letting you go until the very end.

   Reply
5. Kathleen: 2 years ago

   Love, love her books. Where Are the Children started me as a fan. I could not go to sleep without finishing the Cradle Will Fall. Fantastic writer.

   Reply
6. Jennifer oneill: 3 years ago

   Great story writer. Love her books. What a great lady to accomplish so muchh

   Reply
7. Dave Kinnunen: 3 years ago

   A dynamic woman and beautiful writer

   Reply
8. dixiedragon: 8 years ago

   What a determined, amazing woman!

   Reply