Memphis Reads: Mary Higgins Clark (1927-2020)


Mary Higgins Clark, who was born Mary Theresa Eleanor Higgins on December 24, 1927 and later earned the title “Queen of Suspense” died January 31, 2020. She was 92. Ms. Clark began writing when she was very young but worked as a secretary, copy editor, and even a Pan-American Airlines stewardess for a year before leaving her job to become a mother. Writing short stories supplemented her family’s income. When her first husband, Warren Clark, died in 1964, she wrote radio scripts until her agent convinced her she should become a novelist. Ms. Clark loved reading mystery/suspense novels and went to write and publish 50 novels of the same genre throughout her lifetime. Some of her titles include: Where are the Children, Let me Call you Sweetheart, and her autobiography, Kitchen Privileges.  Ms. Clark also wrote Christmas-themed novels with her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark.

Speaking from personal experience, everyone who met Mary Higgins Clark found her to be gracious and charming. She and her works will be missed.