Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark

I had given up on Mary Higgins Clark with the last book of hers that I read (Two Little Girls in Blue). The only reason I read this one was because my sister, Anne, lent it to me and she said it wasn't bad. I'll give it that...it wasn't bad. But it wasn't great.

This one was about a New Yorker, Carolyn who's brother Mack disappeared 10 years ago. In the 10 years since his disappearance, he contacts his mother and sister on Mother's Day (funny that I've finished the book on that same day...huh!). Anyway, just after the most recent contact from Mack, another person - Leesey Andrews - goes missing and the police now believe that it's Mack who is responsible. Carolyn makes it her mission to find out the truth.

I just feel like Clark is writing to fulfill her contract with her publisher. She never has anything new to offer me. I will admit that this mystery didn't annoy me as much as the last one - the characters weren't too terribly hard to like and they weren't a bunch of wealthy "oh, woe-is-me" types this time but she just doesn't have the "touch" that she used to have as a writer. The element of surprise just isn't there.

On to my next novel...Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

I Heard That Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark

My new read is going to be a little "lighter": I Heard That Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark. If you aren't familiar with her, she is a mystery writer and her books are always thoroughly enjoyable and always a quick read. This one is about a woman who marries a man that is of questionable character.

I give this book 1 1/2 out of 4 stars. I just feel like Mary (considering I've read every one of her books, I have the right to be on a first name basis with her) has gotten to the point recently where she's just cranking books out to crank them out or God forbid, collect the royalties? Her recent books all have similar plots: Adults who have suppressed memories of events from their childhood that leads to murder and/or their near death. They are all the same and I'm sort of over it. Now that doesn't mean I'll give up on old Mary. I'm just going to pray that she gets a new idea and goes with that - even if it means she doesn't publish within 6 months of her last novel.

Two Little Girls In Blue by Mary Higgins Clark

I know it's been a while but things have been crazy and I simply haven't been up to updating my blog. But, here I am back, with a gusto ready to write my hands off.

So here's what's been going on: Had some sad news on Monday and so had some minor surgery yesterday (Wednesday). It went well and I was home by 11 am. I was even able to cook dinner last night (chicken fingers with fries, cole slaw and baked beans). I am actually in more pain this morning but with the pain killers I was prescribed, it isn't too bad. (The pain killers are actually pretty mild and don't do much but they at least mask the pain somewhat).

Jim and I are still going to PIB on Monday and I really can't wait. What do we plan on doing while there you ask. Well, golfing every day (on the best 9-hole course in the continental US: Saunders Resort-and what a resort it is), hanging out by the lake getting tan, or watching the rain if the sun refuses to shine (it doesn't make a difference to me I love it there no matter what), maybe playing some cornhole, playing on the wave runner (if it works, who knows, it was on its last leg last year so it may be out of commission or it may not be in the water yet), playing putt-putt (PIB has the best putt-putt course; it is called: The War of 18 Holes) and hanging with my husband.

Oh, by the way, I have to tell all those tens of people out there reading this: It is my favorite dessert month in the city of Cincinnati!!! The best ice cream ever (Graeter's) has my favorite flavor available until the end of the month: STRAWBERRY CHIP!!! It is delicious. If you have a chance to taste it, you definitely should. The great thing about it is how mild and creamy it is (not to mention the enormous chocolate chunks - just look at it!). For those of you saying, "I hate those huge chunks of strawberries in strawberry ice cream", rest easy; Graeter's doesn't do that. They blend it so well and, hold on, I'm going to go eat a bite. Ok, I'm back. Delicious!!!

Funny mistyped word: Boing instead of going. For example: Jim and I are still boing to PIB. That's funny. (I just chuckled at myself). I think from now on, I'll just leave it as it because it makes for funnier reading.

What I'm reading:

It's okay but not Mary Higgins Clark's best work. It seems like she wrote this book in a rush. The dialogue is often forced and the story line seems almost undeveloped. The mystery itself seems obvious although, I'm not finished so I'll let you know if I'm right or not. I know what you're thinking: Of course you're right Muir. When aren't you?

I'm only a few pages from the end and I have to figure out what to read next. Lately I've been in the mood to read uncomplicated, "easy reads". We'll see.

That's it for now, I'll try and entertain you all again before I leave for PIB. Merry summer to you all.