Author: marybeth

This new novel is the sequel to Where Are the Children?, which was released in 1975 by Mary Higgins Clark. I don’t recall reading the original, so I checked back and there are only 16 copies still in the system. That title chronicled the kidnapping of Nancy Eldridge’s two children, Michael and Melissa. The current sequel deals with the adult Melissa’s new marriage to Charlie Miller. Initially they are very happy together, but the marriage soon becomes a nightmare when Charlie’s three year- old daughter Riley goes missing on Melissa’s watch. Is this a repeat of Melissa’s abduction as a young child? But the evidence points to Melissa as being the kidnapper now, with the police convinced that she is guilty. Can Melissa find Riley and prove her innocence before it is too late? It’s a quick read, and enjoyable. Definitely less creepy that the original title, which I will pass on reading…

I picked up this title unsure if I would like it or not, but it is an engaging read with lots of humor. Vera Wong runs a teahouse in San Francisco and is everyone’s idea of a favorite elder aunt. When a dead body is found in her shop, she wastes no time in searching for the murderer, even though the man supposedly died from a bird allergy. Several characters pop up at her teahouse, who Vera is suspicious of, all of which have a link to the dead man. The plot reminds me a little of Arsenic and Adobo, which features several Philippine aunties who give advice to the main character. I’m enjoying this so far, and curious to find out who really “dunnit”…