If you are a fan of mystery and suspense novels, you may have come across the names Mary Higgins Clark and Mary Jane Clark. Both are bestselling authors who have written dozens of books in the genre, often featuring strong female protagonists who face danger and intrigue. But are they related? And how did they become successful writers?
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The Family Connection
The answer is yes, they are related, but not by blood. Mary Jane Clark is the former daughter-in-law of Mary Higgins Clark, having been married to her son David from 1982 to 1998. They have two children together, Elizabeth and David Jr., who are also the grandchildren of Mary Higgins Clark.
Mary Jane Clark kept her married name after the divorce, and she acknowledges that it has helped her writing career. She says that Mary Higgins Clark taught her dedication to writing by example, and that she has always been supportive of her work.They also share a common interest in suspense novels, which they both started reading at a young age.
The Writing Career
Mary Higgins Clark was born in 1927 in New York City, the daughter of Irish immigrants. She began writing poetry and stories as a child, and later worked as a secretary, a flight attendant, and a radio scriptwriter. She published her first novel, a historical fiction about George Washington, in 1968, but it did not sell well. She then turned to suspense novels, inspired by her love of Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock. Her breakthrough came in 1975 with Where Are the Children?, a thriller about a mother whose children are kidnapped twice. Since then, she has written over 50 novels, all of which have been bestsellers in the US and abroad. She has also co-authored several books with her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, who is also a writer.She died in 2020 at the age of 92.
Mary Jane Clark was born in 1954 in New Jersey, the daughter of an FBI agent. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with degrees in journalism and political science, and then worked as a desk assistant at CBS News headquarters in New York City. She later became a producer and writer for various news shows, including Face the Nation and 48 Hours.She published her first novel, Do You Want to Know a Secret?, in 1998, featuring a TV news producer who uncovers a murder plot. It was the first of 12 books in the Key News series, which are based on her experience in broadcast journalism. She then started a new series, The Wedding Cake Mysteries, featuring an actress-turned wedding cake designer who gets involved in murder cases. She has written four books in this series so far.
The Similarities and Differences
Both Mary Higgins Clark and Mary Jane Clark are known for their fast-paced plots, suspenseful twists, and relatable characters. They also write stand-alone novels that can be read in any order, although they have some recurring characters and settings. They often use real-life events or locations as inspiration for their stories, and they do extensive research to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
However, there are also some differences between their styles and themes. Mary Higgins Clark tends to focus more on psychological suspense and domestic drama, while Mary Jane Clark leans more towards media-related suspense and political intrigue. Mary Higgins Clark also writes more from the perspective of the victim or the potential victim, while Mary Jane Clark writes more from the perspective of the investigator or the reporter. Mary Higgins Clark’s novels are usually set in New York City or its suburbs, while Mary Jane Clark’s novels are set in various locations around the world.
The Conclusion
Mary Higgins Clark and Mary Jane Clark are two successful writers who share a family connection and a passion for suspense novels. They have influenced each other’s careers and have earned millions of fans around the world. They are both examples of women who have overcome challenges and achieved their dreams through hard work and talent.
