The Cinderella Murder

“The Cinderella Murder” by Mary Higgins Clark

sequel to “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”

Review by Gerti

Mary Higgins Clark newest novel is novel in a number of ways. First, for this book, she uses a collaborator named Alafair Burke (which makes me question how old Clark is), although she has co-written books before with her daughter. And second, this book continues the story of Laurie Moran, a TV reality series producer with bad luck in her real life, but great luck in her career. She’s just produced a ratings-busting TV pilot called Under Suspicion, which tries to take long-cold murder cases and uncover the killer. Now her boss wants more of those shows. She’s chosen “The Cinderella Murder” for her second show, even though her boss was pushing for her to work on the Jon Benet Ramsey case.

In the first book, Laurie’s high profile crime series comes to the attention of the man who killed her husband years before, and he tries to put his own high-caliber spin on the ending by killing her. Fortunately for Laurie, her dad used to be a powerful NY cop, and he foils the killer’s plans. In this sequel, her father once again senses a killer is trailing the TV crew when a neighbor to Cinderella’s mother, Rosemary Dempsey, is found bludgeoned to death in her backyard (which is actually good, since she’s an obnoxious character!) Laurie thinks there is no connection, but her dad does not believe in coincidence. So he and Laurie’s son, Timmy, head to California with the production crew to keep an eye on things, and hopefully catch the killer before he can get to Laurie.

The original murder goes like this – Susan Dempsey, Rosemary’s daughter, was a beautiful and talented student at UCLA. She is found dead (minus one shoe) near the home of the movie producer she was supposedly auditioning for, but his alibi is another beautiful blonde acting student (Susan’s roommate Madison) from UCLA whom he supposedly called to his home after Susan didn’t show up. Another roommate named Nicole was never originally under suspicion, but Laurie thinks she’s being far too secretive about the murder, as is Susan’s former boyfriend. But don’t forget to put the boy who was crushing on Susan (currently a quirky computer billionaire) and their hunky college professor on the list of suspects. Add a crazy religious cult and you’ve got your mystery.

Clark’s characters are always well-drawn, distinct, and likable, so I found myself caught up in the story, however convoluted. The only thing I don’t like about this book is the romance between Laurie and the lawyer who interviews the graduates, named Alex Buckley. Fortunately, there is just a touch of romance, (and a smattering of gramps and son) so that I would recommend this quick and satisfying read to anyone. I’m glad to hear that they are starting a series of these books, and look forward to reading the next one.