Step into the thrilling world of Under Suspicion, where cold cases come alive and secrets unravel in the spotlight! This gripping suspense series, crafted by the legendary Mary Higgins Clark and bestselling author Alafair Burke, follows Laurie Moran, a savvy TV producer who dives into unsolved mysteries with her true-crime show, Under Suspicion. With its blend of heart-pounding investigations, personal stakes, and a dash of media glamour, this series keeps readers guessing until the final page.
From shadowy killers to high-society scandals, Under Suspicion delivers suspense that feels both timeless and fresh. Laurie’s journey isn’t just about solving crimes—it’s about seeking justice, confronting her own past, and balancing her career with love and family. Ready to crack open a mystery? Let’s explore this captivating series!
How Under Suspicion Began
Mary Higgins Clark, dubbed the Queen of Suspense, launched Under Suspicion with her 2014 solo novel, I’ve Got You Under My Skin. Inspired by her love for intricate mysteries, Clark created Laurie Moran, a widowed mother haunted by her husband’s murder. After the first book’s success, Clark teamed up with Alafair Burke, a rising star in crime fiction, to expand the series. Their collaboration blended Clark’s classic suspense with Burke’s modern, character-driven flair, resulting in a series that’s both nostalgic and contemporary.
The partnership was a match made in mystery heaven. Clark’s knack for plot twists paired perfectly with Burke’s legal expertise and sharp dialogue, crafting stories that feel like binge-worthy TV episodes. The series’ premise—a true-crime show revisiting cold cases—tapped into the public’s fascination with real-life mysteries, making it a hit with readers and even sparking talks of a CBS TV adaptation.
The Heart of Under Suspicion
The series spans eight books, each tackling a new cold case with Laurie at the helm. I’ve Got You Under My Skin (2014) introduces Laurie as she investigates a high-society murder while a killer from her past lurks. The Cinderella Murder (2014) dives into Hollywood’s dark side, unraveling the death of a UCLA student found missing a shoe. All Dressed in White (2015) explores a bride’s mysterious disappearance days before her wedding, while It Had to Be You (2024), the latest, probes a college graduation tragedy tied to a wealthy family’s secrets.
Under Suspicion weaves themes of justice, redemption, and the power of media. Laurie’s investigations expose how wealth, fame, and hidden motives cloud the truth, while her personal growth—navigating romance with host Alex Buckley and raising her son, Timmy—adds emotional depth. The New York City setting, with its glitzy studios and gritty streets, grounds the series in a vivid, relatable world. Clark and Burke’s style is fast-paced yet accessible, with twists that reward attentive readers.
Beyond the cases, the series shines through its characters. Laurie is a determined yet vulnerable heroine, while Alex’s charm and Ryan Nichols’ arrogance spark tension on and off the set. Each book feels like an episode of a beloved show, balancing standalone mysteries with ongoing personal arcs.
Why Under Suspicion Resonates
Under Suspicion has carved a niche in the suspense genre by blending classic whodunits with modern true-crime fascination. Its focus on cold cases taps into universal questions about justice and closure, while Laurie’s resilience resonates with readers facing their own challenges. The series’ blend of glamour and grit—think Met Gala murders and Hollywood scandals—makes it a perfect escape for thriller fans.
Even after Clark’s passing in 2020, Burke has kept the series alive, with It Had to Be You proving its enduring appeal. Fans praise the books for their engaging plots and likable characters, with reviews calling them “solid, twist-filled reads” that avoid excessive violence. The series’ potential TV adaptation hints at its cultural staying power, cementing its place in the suspense world.
- First Book: I’ve Got You Under My Skin (2014)
- Latest Book: It Had to Be You (2024)
- Total Books: 8
- Authors: Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke
Grab I’ve Got You Under My Skin and dive into Under Suspicion’s world of suspense, secrets, and second chances!