She happens to be the best story teller of all times. Her “Moonlight Becomes You” is just a further proof of it. Anyone can find the trademark Mary Higgins Clark written all over the novel. Though I started reading Clark pretty recently, I have become an ardent fan of her work. Her books have the quality of arresting the reader till the very end. This novel is no exception and keeps anyone guessing the finish.
Moonlight Becomes You keeps revolving around the central character of Maggie Holloway. As in any of Clark’s books, Maggie is a no-nonsense and intelligent girl. She meets her former stepmother Nuala and a party and excited by the sudden turn of events. So the long lost stepmother and daughter reunite and Maggie decides to spend a few weeks at Nuala’s place at Newport. But, on arrival Maggie finds Nuala murdered. A heartbroken Maggie is surprised to learn that she has inherited Nuala’s large and expensive home. After a few days when Nuala’s close friend Greta Shipley is supposedly dead due to natural causes, Maggie is not convinced and assumes some kind of a relation between the two deaths. So, she begins an investigation only to find that if she continues her stay at Newport, her end is not far.
The characterisation of Maggie, the protagonist is wonderful. Clark’s heroines are always strong and independent. Maggie is beautiful, but puts her brains to better use. She, though single, is not a feminist and within her brief stay at Newport wins everyone’s hearts.
The book does not indulge in any kind of extended beginnings where authors take time to introduce the characters. The plot unfolds right from the first page. A page turner, this book has an impressive opening tableau. Starting with a descriptive account of a woman buried alive, Clark knows how to build suspense. No wonder the book was a bestseller since it ensures a satisfying read.
If you want to learn something about my experience of reading the book ---- Don’t ever read it while you are alone especially at night ( That was my only mistake:))