Photo: Deborah Feingold/Getty Images
Mary Higgins Clark, the bestselling author whose nail-biting works earned her the title “Queen of Suspense” — has died at the age of 92.
Throughout her long career, Clark penned 38 suspense novels, four collections of short stories, one historical novel, a memoir and two children’s books. Her most notable work include 1975’sWhere Are the Children?and 1977’sA Stranger Is Watching, both of which were adapted into movies.
The writer also frequently collaborated with her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark, co-authoring five more suspense novels.
Mary Higgins Clark.Tony Barson/WireImage
Clark also wroteThe Cinderella Murder, All Dressed in White, The Sleeping Beauty Killer, Every Breath You TakeandYou Don’t Own Mewith author Alafair Burke.
“She was unique. Nobody ever bonded more completely with her readers than Mary did; she understood them as if they were members of her own family,” her longtime editor Michael Kordasaid in a statement. “Shewasthe Queen of Suspense, it wasn’t just a phrase; she always set out to end each chapter on a note of suspense, so you justhadto keep reading. It was at once a gift, but also the result of hard work, because nobody worked harder than Mary did on her books to deliver for her readers.”
He continued, “She was also, unfailingly, cheerful under pressure, generous, good-humored and warm-hearted, the least ‘temperamental’ of bestselling authors, and the most fun to be around. I feel privileged to have enjoyed forty-five years of her friendship, and saddened that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and hear her say, ‘Michael, I think I’ve figured out how to make this story work.’ She was a joy to work with, and to know.”
Simon & Schuster CEO Carolyn Reidy said in a statement, “Today we did not just lose an author, but a true and well-loved member of the Simon & Schuster family.”
“I will miss her tremendously, both on a personal and professional level, but we all can be grateful and proud for having had the privilege of being her publisher these many years, and thankful for all she has meant to her millions of readers and for her kindness and service to many generations of authors.”
According to Clark’s publisher, more than 100 million copies of her books are in print in the United States alone. Her novels are also international sellers — with many works made into television films.
source: people.com
