Rating: Summary: Deck the Halls Review: I have every book that Mary Higgins Clark has written and have been a long time fan. This one was the pits. You knew the entire story before you were even through the first 30 pages. There was no mystery to this mystery. You knew who the kiddnappers were, and why Luke and Rosita were kidnapped. The reason I loved her earlier books was because she gave you clues without actually telling you who it was. It was a challenge to me to see if I could figure it out by the end. There was no challenge to this book at all, just mindless reading. I have read Snagged and Decked by Carol Higgins Clark who can not write at all but is merely riding on the coat tails of her mother's success. Carol Higgins Clark has no talent which shows in this "joint effort". Best advice to readers, stick to the books that Mary Higgins Clark wrote by herself, without the influence of her talentless daughter. They are the best examples of her work.
Rating: Summary: Delightful Christmas Read Review: I have yet to read either a Carol Higgings Clark or Mary Higgins Clark book that has let me down. They always have a little happiness, suspense, intrigue and normal everyday happenings that we don't realize are normal everyday happenings. And the ending on this one was just perfect for the holiday season. Good work, ladies. You should be very proud of yourselves. And, Mary, I know it is long overdue but Congratulations on your marriage! What wonderful children you have watching out for you! I'll be waiting for the next books from you ladies. PLEASE HURRY!
Rating: Summary: What a duo! Review: This is a fantastic book by mother and daughter. The characters were colorful and the plot exciting. It's not too long of a read - so I'd reccomend taking this with you if you have a flight planned. I started reading during take-off and closed the book with a smile before landing. A+
Rating: Summary: Okay But I Definetely Read Better Review: I just can't recommend this book to anyone. I have tried find something good to say about this book. But only thing I can say is the book cover is pretty. Sorry Mary please try again
Rating: Summary: Is my face red! Review: Oops, sorry...I would hope that I could at least spell correctly when writing a rather scathing review of "Deck the Halls". What nerve to criticize Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter and not even spell dud correctly, (which the book was with a capital "D").
Rating: Summary: Sheer Entertainment Review: Yes, the plot has ben used. Yes, the ending is painfully predictable. But Deck the Halls is nevertheless a delightful page-turner ideal for bedtime or pool-side reading. Written in typical Columbo fashion, with both overdone dramatic irony and not-so-grave danger, this easy reading somehow managed to overcome my initial skepticism with comedy and familiarity. I became captivated, literally. After a somewhat rocky start, it took me all of three hours to read this 200-page novel. I couldn't bring myself to put it down; I had to read "just one more chapter." Unfortunately for those who love unique, well-written novels that require thought and provide insight, Deck the Halls is merely a jumble of old plots mixed together with familiar characters and a fairy tale ending tacked on. The comedic "bad guys" make their appearance as the adorably evil but inept kidnappers, and have the "good guys" ever really lost? Students of Twain, beware: this "fluff" is not for you. When I read a book, however, I just want to be entertained. Deck the Halls is not a "classic" for the ages. It will not be remembered a hundred years from now, but I had a great time reading it, as will other mystery buffs. Deck the Halls is especially appropriate for those who have enjoyed previous Clark novels. In a classic character crossover reminiscent of the old Flinstone-Jetson episodes, this tale incorporates the major players of each woman's individual novels. Carol's young sleuth, Regan Reilly, teams up with Mary's observant lottery winner, Alvirah Meehan, to solve this tale of kidnapping for ransom. This, however, may be a drawback for some, as these characters are not fully developed in this short story. Familiarity is a prerequisite. Ready for a break from Oprah and her insightful book club? Planning on sunbathing by the beach in the Bahamas? Stop searching now; you've found your book.
Rating: Summary: Buyer Beware! Review: I am surprised to read some fairly high praise for this less than mediocre attempt from Mom and daughter. Perhaps the reviewers are like me and usually find Mary Higgins Clark a good read and do not want to hurt her feelings but come on, this particular book is a dude with a capital "D". I am so sorry I purchased not one but two copies. What a waste of time, and money, not to mention the embarrassment of giving an audio version for a gift. So much for listening to certain "book reviewers" that was a mistake.
Rating: Summary: Not the usual Mary Higgins Clark Review: As an avid reader of Mary Higgins Clark, I found myself disappointed in her latest effort. All of the usual suspense tactics that I usually enjoy in her books were missing. It was at best, a mere distraction, but definitely not what I would label a page turner.
Rating: Summary: Good, but I've read better by Clark Review: I look forward to reading Mary Higgins Clark's novels each time she publishes a new one, but this one was a little disappointing. The story was great, but the reader knows exactly who is behind the kidnapping from the start. I'm one who enjoys the task of trying to figure things out before the author has to tell me, and this novel didn't give me that chance. But, as always, the character development and story line were excellent. The blending of the authors' styles was very smooth --Alvirah and Regan both shared the spotlight and held their own in the story. This is a great book to curl up with on a snowy afternoon and it's a quick read -- you can finish it in just a few hours.
Rating: Summary: Entertaining but lacking substance Review: I'm not usually a mystery reader, but I received this book as a Christmas gift and felt obligated to read it. It reminded me a lot of the "Murder She Wrote" series where characters are almost too wholesome to be believable. The characters were not very well developed and the plot had too many convenient coincidences. Despite these drawbacks, the book was a quick and enjoyable read. Although I wouldn't call the book a page-turner, it was not boring either. I wish it could have been more of a mystery for the reader. Instead, it's a mystery for the characters; from the beginning the reader knows everything about the criminals and their motives and watches how the heroes and heroines figure it out for themselves. I'll probably not read any more of these books unless they're given to me as gifts.
|