Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry by Mary Higgins Clark

Synopsis

“When investigative journalist Gina Kane receives an email from a “CRyan” describing her “terrible experience” while working at REL, a high-profile television news network, including the comment “and I’m not the only one,” Gina knows she has to pursue the story. But when Ryan goes silent, Gina is shocked to discover the young woman has died tragically in a Jet Ski accident while on holiday.

Meanwhile, REL counsel Michael Carter finds himself in a tricky spot. Several female employees have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. Carter approaches the CEO, offering to persuade the victims to accept settlements in exchange for their silence. It’s a risky endeavor, but it could well make him rich.

As more allegations emerge and the company’s IPO draws near, Carter’s attempts to keep the story from making headlines are matched only by Gina Kane’s determination to uncover the truth. Was Ryan’s death truly an accident? And when another accuser turns up dead, Gina realizes someone—or some people—will go to depraved lengths to keep the story from seeing the light.”

-Synopsis from Goodreads

Review

As a huge Mary Higgins Clark fan, I was so excited to read this book. I was number eighty-something on the holds list at the library, and then lo and behold an express copy was returned and I was able to check it out early. Isn’t that just the best feeling?

This was quite the whirlwind of a story. Part one introduces journalist Gina Kane and her attempts to track down “CRyan” and figure out what the “terrible experience” was that she referred to in her email. This was probably my favorite section of the book because we see Gina’s investigative efforts up close. Her investigation takes her all the way to Aruba where “CRyan” otherwise known as Cathy, was last seen and where she died. Right as Gina was on the cusp of discovering more information, part one abruptly ends and part two begins, taking us back to two years prior.

I liked getting to see the other side of the story, that is, the side of the news organization trying to get a handle on their top news anchor’s sexual harassment incidences. A lot goes in to keeping a scandal under wraps, and it is shown in detail in part two. However, this section was over one hundred pages making it a little too long for my taste. I couldn’t wait to get back to the present day story. Once we get back to Gina’s story, the action kicks off once again. Gina is struggling to track down women who are willing to talk about their experiences, or at the very least share what they know. The repercussions for talking with her or any reporters for that matter are harsh and any potential witness is afraid to come forward and risk their life and safety. Ultimately, it’s Gina’s life that is put at risk for the sake of finding out the truth before it is too late.

Clark is known for being the queen of suspense and once again, this book more than lives up to that title. The last few chapters were riveting and there was a good twist at the end that made for an exciting ending. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good thriller, or any fans of MHC.