I Am An Owl…

I haven’t enjoyed most of Mary Higgins Clark’s latest books, but I have to admit that this was better. NIGHTTIME IS MY TIME is not as good as her earlier works, but it is enjoyable.

Jean Sheridan goes back to her small hometown for a 20th year reunion. She and a few others will be honored as distinguished graduates – Jean is now a history professor and author of a best seller. Other honorees include Laura Wilcox, a famous actress; Mark Fleischman a famous TV syndicated psychiatrist; Carter Stewart, a famous playwright; Gordon Amory, a powerful television mogul; and Robby Brent, a sarcastic comedian who people compare to Don Rickles. Seems each of these honorees had a less than desirable childhood, except for Laura who was the golden child.

Jake, a young reporter for the school paper, brings to Jean’s attention the fact that of the five girls who sat at the same lunch table growing up, only she and Laura are still alive. Added to that fact is that they seem to be dying in the order in which they are seated at the table… things that make ya go hmmm…

The Owl is on the prowl and has been killing victims for 20 years. He’s almost through – only a few more left until he can avenge the taunting he endured during school especially from the lunch table girls. Kinda gives a new meaning to the word revenge…

Before the reunion festivities are over, Laura disappears. Everyone is trying to find her before she becomes the next murder statistic. And the journey becomes more twisted.

The plot is a standard mystery theme, but Clark has added numerous side plots in which the reader can become confused. Jean had given up a baby girl right after graduation, and was now getting faxes threatening “Lily’s” life. But no one knew that she had been pregnant. Another side plot involved Alice Sommers, the mother of Karen, who was the first murder victim of The Owl, yet the police had thought it was a random act of violence. The detective on the case, Sam Deegan, is still looking for Karen’s killer. Other plots are underdeveloped and leave the reader confused – each pertaining to the possible identity of the murderer and involving not only the honorees but also a couple of reunion attendees.

Some may like the numerous red herrings tossed about but for me they served little purpose and only added to the confusion. There were entirely too many characters in this book and many were weak. There were too many things going on that only added to the mass uncertainty. It was not a clean storyline.

You’d think that in Clark’s 29th book, she’d be a pro at churning out wonderful stories. NIGHTTIME IS MY TIME is above average, but definitely not at the top of my A list.