Mary Higgins Clark

Date of Birth: December 24, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: January 31, 2020

Biography

Mary Higgins Clark, born Mary Theresa Eleanor Higgins, was a renowned American author known for her suspenseful thrillers and mystery novels. She was born on December 24, 1927, in the Bronx, New York City, USA. Clark’s journey to literary fame was not straightforward; she faced numerous personal challenges and professional rejections before achieving success. She began her writing career with short stories but later transitioned to novels, with her first major success being “Where Are the Children?” published in 1975. Over her career, she penned over 50 books, many of which became bestsellers. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Clark’s books often featured strong female protagonists and intricate plots that kept readers on the edge of their seats. She was a fixture on The New York Times bestseller list, and her contributions to literature earned her numerous awards, including the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 2000. Mary Higgins Clark passed away on January 31, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved authors in the genre of suspense and mystery.

5 Interesting Facts about Mary Higgins Clark

1. Mary Higgins Clark started writing at a very young age and was first published when she was just six years old.

2. Before becoming a successful novelist, she worked as a secretary, a stewardess for Pan American World Airways, and a radio scriptwriter.

3. Her first book, a biographical novel about George Washington, titled “Aspire to the Heavens,” did not achieve commercial success.

4. She wrote every day from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. before going to her full-time job, demonstrating immense discipline and dedication to her craft.

5. Mary Higgins Clark earned the title “Queen of Suspense” due to her mastery of the suspense and mystery genres.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Higgins Clark

1. “The thing you want to write can be written, and it can be written by you.”

2. “I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense.”

3. “Even though things happen by chance, you still have to go through the door to make them happen.”

4. “Write the kind of story you would like to read. People will give you all sorts of advice about writing, but if you are not writing a story you would like to read yourself, you’ll never be able to achieve your full potential.”

5. “I always start with the crime. I figure out who did it, why, and how it was done.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her career, Mary Higgins Clark’s net worth was estimated to be around $140 million.

Children

Mary Higgins Clark had five children with her first husband, Warren Clark: Marilyn, Warren, David, Carol, and Patricia. Her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark, is also a well-known mystery writer.