Mary Higgins Clark

Mary Higgins Clark was an acclaimed American author, often hailed as the "Queen of Suspense." Her books have sold over 100 million copies in the United States alone. Each of her 51 books was a bestseller in the US and European countries.

Besides suspense fiction, she has written three collections of short stories; a historical novel, Mount Vernon Love Story (2002); two children’s books, including The Magical Christmas Horse (2011); and a memoir, Kitchen Privileges (2002).

Mary Higgins Clark was born in The Bronx, New York City. Her passion for writing developed at an early age. While attending Villa Maria Academy in the Bronx, she excelled in English and contributed to the school's literary magazine.

However, her dreams of becoming a writer were temporarily put on hold when she left school at 18 to support her family financially after her father's death.

After working as a secretary, switchboard operator, and flight attendant, Clark returned to education and graduated from Fordham University in 1979, summa cum laude, with a degree in philosophy. She later completed a MA in philosophy from the same institution.

Her writing career began in earnest in the mid-1970s. Her debut novel, Where Are the Children? was published in 1975 and became an instant success. The book tells the gripping story of Nancy Harmon, a young woman who moves to Cape Cod to escape a tragic past, only to find herself caught up in a nightmare when her children disappear.

Where Are the Children? established Clark's signature style of suspenseful storytelling, propelling her to literary stardom

Following the success of her debut, Clark wrote numerous bestselling novels, each one characterized by tightly woven plots, relatable characters, and a knack for keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Her other significant works include A Stranger Is Watching (1982), The Cradle Will Fall (1983), All Around the Town (2002), and Daddy's Little Girl (2002), among many others.

Throughout her prolific career, Mary Higgins Clark wrote over 50 books, including suspense novels, short stories, and a memoir. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Clark's ability to create compelling stories that resonated with readers made her a beloved figure in the literary world.

Mary Higgins Clark's contributions to the suspense genre were recognized with numerous awards and honors. She received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America and was a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, among others. Clark remained committed to philanthropy and actively supported organizations dedicated to literacy, children's health, and the arts throughout her life.

Mary Higgins Clark's legacy as a master storyteller endures, and her books continue to captivate readers around the globe, providing thrilling and suspenseful escapes into her meticulously crafted fictional worlds.