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meme_too2's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy a good Mary Higgins Clark book. They are all predictable, because she is a formula writer, but her formula is killer (pun intended!). This is another Alvirah Meehan book and I have to say I get a kick out of her character.
I don't know about the lost letter written by Jesus Christ, but like I say, Clark's story telling ability is always fresh, fun, and CLEAN!
I don't know about the lost letter written by Jesus Christ, but like I say, Clark's story telling ability is always fresh, fun, and CLEAN!
sassyporcupine's review against another edition
1.0
I thought this was going to be a mystery like Indiana Jones or the davinci code. It wasn't. It was pretty terrible
j3nnplam's review against another edition
2.0
This is probably the most dull religious artifact book I've encountered, which is unfortunate because Clark usually is a strong writer. There was next to nothing in the book about the impact of the existence of a 2000 year old letter with the DNA of Jesus, making it seem rather pointless as far as McGuffins go. If it's going to be a simple murder mystery steeped in the hack motives of greed and jealousy, just go with an heirloom bit of priceless jewelry or something. Don't try to throw religious intrigue into the mix if you're not really going to sell it.
It may be notable that the plot device was suggested by her editor and initially dismissed. Perhaps Clark would be better served listening to her own instincts?
It may be notable that the plot device was suggested by her editor and initially dismissed. Perhaps Clark would be better served listening to her own instincts?
jlwlm12's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely a page turner. Quite a few characters to keep a handle on.
vamellens's review against another edition
3.0
Standard MHC fare. Ok listening for a car ride, but was predictable and we guessed who done it well before the ending.
daydreamer1983's review against another edition
2.0
As much as I loved to see Alvirah and Willy back, I found this to be a very predictable plot. My mom didn't figure out the killer until the end, whereas I knew who the killer was by the end of the first few chapters. Perhaps I've read too many MHC books that I can guess her patterns. Found it only okay and not overly exciting.
krystlekouture's review against another edition
3.0
Why Did I read this?: I read a blurb in People magazine about this new book from Clark. I enjoy her other mysteries and the religious tones in this one reminded me of the Da Vinci Code which I really enjoyed.
What I loved: First of all, this was not at all like the Da Vinci code. If you found that book too controversial you may enjoy this one. It is about a letter Jesus wrote, not about any religious secrets or controversies. However, the mystery was still unique and engaging.
What I didn't like: I found Jonathan's friends (and the murder suspects) to be too similar. It was hard to tell who was who and what they were involved in. This made the mystery a little less exciting.
Would I recommend this: Yes! If you like mysteries especially ones that are not too gory you would probably enjoy this book.
Would I read more by this author?: Yes, in fact I have several of her books waiting on my bookshelf!
What I loved: First of all, this was not at all like the Da Vinci code. If you found that book too controversial you may enjoy this one. It is about a letter Jesus wrote, not about any religious secrets or controversies. However, the mystery was still unique and engaging.
What I didn't like: I found Jonathan's friends (and the murder suspects) to be too similar. It was hard to tell who was who and what they were involved in. This made the mystery a little less exciting.
Would I recommend this: Yes! If you like mysteries especially ones that are not too gory you would probably enjoy this book.
Would I read more by this author?: Yes, in fact I have several of her books waiting on my bookshelf!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
2.0
The Lost Years
2 Stars
Biblical scholar Jonathan Lyons is murdered in his home after consulting several experts on a rare parchment supposedly authored by Jesus Christ. His wife, Kathleen Lyons, an Alzheimer sufferer, is accused of the crime, but his daughter, Mariah is convinced of her mother’s innocence and sets out to prove that her father’s death is related to the missing document.
Mary Higgins Clark was once a must buy author for me, but I appear to have outgrown her writing style. The narrative is ostensibly in the 3rd person, however, it often diverges into the internal musings and recollections of the characters, which appear in 1st person format. This alternating perspective is not only distracting, but results in the characters coming across as self-absorbed and unsympathetic.
Although the murder victim is well-respected and loved by many characters in the book, to me he was nothing short of a selfish and ego-centric adulterer unworthy of the affections bestowed upon him. As a result, it is difficult to care one way or the other whether his murder is solved. The investigation is tedious with detectives leaping to unfounded conclusions and the TSTL heroine’s attempts to uncover the truth are annoying. There isn’t even a good romance to compensate for this fiasco.
The incorporation of the letter to Joseph of Arimathea has potential. Unfortunately, it amounts to little more than a mcguffin intended to lure readers into reading the book with hopes of a compelling story revolving around the missing years of Christ’s life. As it turns out, this plot element is underdeveloped and has virtually no importance in the overall scheme of things.
All in all, MHC has written much better works and this book is unworthy of her repertoire.
2 Stars
Biblical scholar Jonathan Lyons is murdered in his home after consulting several experts on a rare parchment supposedly authored by Jesus Christ. His wife, Kathleen Lyons, an Alzheimer sufferer, is accused of the crime, but his daughter, Mariah is convinced of her mother’s innocence and sets out to prove that her father’s death is related to the missing document.
Mary Higgins Clark was once a must buy author for me, but I appear to have outgrown her writing style. The narrative is ostensibly in the 3rd person, however, it often diverges into the internal musings and recollections of the characters, which appear in 1st person format. This alternating perspective is not only distracting, but results in the characters coming across as self-absorbed and unsympathetic.
Although the murder victim is well-respected and loved by many characters in the book, to me he was nothing short of a selfish and ego-centric adulterer unworthy of the affections bestowed upon him. As a result, it is difficult to care one way or the other whether his murder is solved. The investigation is tedious with detectives leaping to unfounded conclusions and the TSTL heroine’s attempts to uncover the truth are annoying. There isn’t even a good romance to compensate for this fiasco.
The incorporation of the letter to Joseph of Arimathea has potential. Unfortunately, it amounts to little more than a mcguffin intended to lure readers into reading the book with hopes of a compelling story revolving around the missing years of Christ’s life. As it turns out, this plot element is underdeveloped and has virtually no importance in the overall scheme of things.
All in all, MHC has written much better works and this book is unworthy of her repertoire.
amakaazie's review against another edition
3.0
A slow start with too many characters. But I eventually got a hang of the story and it became a pleasant, if not exciting read. Too predictable, but still ok.
I love the way Alzheimer’s was woven into the story. It probably was my best aspect of this book.
I love the way Alzheimer’s was woven into the story. It probably was my best aspect of this book.