A review by brassaf
The Cradle Will Fall by Mary Higgins Clark

5.0

When I think of "mystery novel," I think of a book which reveals "who dunnit" at or toward the end of the novel. Readers are left clues given by the author to help them figure it out. This novel by a proven master (mistress?) of the mystery genre takes a different approach. The sole witness at the scene believes what she saw was a dream, but her later encounter with the murderer draws her into the investigation without her even knowing it. Soon, readers discover who the murderer is, but the race is on for the other characters to make the same discovery, using clues left by the murderer. Do the "good guys" find all the clues in time? You'll have to read it to find out!

Not only did I enjoy this mystery novel as a departure from my regular roster of science fiction and fantasy novels, but I also liked the novel as the characters were believable, loveable, and or course, in the case of the "bad guys," easy to hate.

This book is a fast enough and enjoyable enough read for any adult reader, but is also another solid performance by Clark to satisfy her fans and fans of the mystery/suspense drama. Five stars! ** Word to the wary: some themes (abortion, murder, attempted murder) in this book are inappropriate for younger readers, but aren't gory or distastefully presented. **