The Sleeping Beauty Killer

Casey Carter was convicted of murdering her fiance fifteen years ago. Casey has new evidence and tries to persuade tv producer Laurie Moran to investigate her case. Laurie must decide if she wants the case and prove Casey's innocence--that is, if she's innocent.

The focus of the story was the investigation which kept me interested and curious as to whether Casey did it or not. The evidence was stacked against her but she kept claiming she was innocent. There was also a touch of romance and workplace conflict. The ending was a bit of a stretch but the characters were likeable and it was a light, easy read.

Like all Mary Higgins Clark books, the pace is quick. The story moves quickly, without skipping over the salient facts of the investigation. The pieces fall into place just when they should, leaving enough clues to make the mystery believable in the end, without making the real killer too obvious. It’s a fast, fun read, with enough mystery and suspense to keep the pages turning. Even though this a part of a series, it reads well as a standalone. As I a side-line I'd like to say if you have never read anything by the co-author, Alafair Burke you will be in for a real treat to do so.

Casey Carter, released from prison fifteen years after her conviction for manslaughter in the death her fiancé, has always maintained her innocence. With no way to clear her name, she approaches Laurie Moran, who produces the television show, “Under Suspicion,” in which unsolved crimes are investigated.

Casey, once dubbed the Sleeping Beauty Killer by the press, asks Laurie to look into the murder of her fiancé, a murder that occurred while she supposedly slept. Reluctance on the part of the show’s host does not deter her; nor does she allow her mother’s reticence to keep her from seeking the truth. She offers Laurie a list of possible suspects, each with a secret to protect, and the investigation begins.

Is Casey actually the show more killer or will Laurie uncover new evidence that will clear her name?

Readers will find much to appreciate in the tale peopled by well-developed characters, an intriguing plot, and enough twists and turns to spur the story along to its somewhat predictable reveal.

Recommended. show less

OK, if you've read my previous comments, you know that I read Mary Higgins Clark out of sentimentality....my mother really enjoyed her books and I stick with them in her memory. This is the third in the Under Suspicion mysteries written with Alafair Burke and although I knew (even though I never try to guess...guess I've read too many of her books!) the killer VERY early on, I thought this was the best of the series. Despite the formulaic quality of the book, and because it is a quick read, I had difficulty putting it down until it was finished. There's just something about MHC.......

Another terrific installment from the Under Suspicion series. I have read so many MHC books that I know the formula and figured out whodunnit very early on but it was an enjoyable and fun mystery.

Not as suspenseful as you would expect from Mary Higgins Clark. I figured out the murderer almost from the beginning.

Not as suspenseful as you would expect from Mary Higgins Clark. I figured out the murderer almost from the beginning.