12 Authors Similar to Mary Higgins Clark You Must Read
In this post, we’ll look at 12 authors similar to Mary Higgins Clark, who share her knack for crafting captivating mysteries filled with twists and turns.
Though Clark sadly passed away on January 31, 2020, her legacy lives on through her unforgettable suspense novels and through other talented writers who keep the genre alive.
Whether you’re looking for a new page-turner or simply want to expand your reading list, these authors will deliver the same thrilling experience that keeps readers coming back for more.
Get ready to uncover fresh voices that echo Clark’s signature style.
12 Authors Similar to Mary Higgins Clark
1. Carol Higgins Clark
Writing Style & Themes
Carol Higgins Clark, Mary’s daughter, continued the tradition of light yet suspenseful mysteries.Â
Her books blend intrigue with humor, featuring smart and independent female leads navigating danger.
Notable Books/Series
- Decked (1992)
- Snagged (1993)
- Fleeced (2001)
Why Readers Will Love Her
She carried on her mother’s legacy crafting engaging mysteries with a touch of wit.Â
Fans of fast-paced clean suspense will appreciate her accessible storytelling and strong heroines.
Carol Higgins Clark’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12454.Carol_Higgins_ClarkÂ
2. Mary Jane Clark
Writing Style & Themes
A former journalist and the former daughter-in-law of Mary Higgins Clark, Mary Jane Clark writes media-based thrillers.Â
Her books feature female protagonists caught in high-stakes suspense much like Mary’s novels.
Notable Books/Series
- Do You Promise Not to Tell? (2000)
- Let Me Whisper in Your Ear (2001)
- Close to You (2002)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her background in journalism adds realism to her fast-paced twist-filled stories.Â
Readers who enjoy Clark’s media-related mysteries will love her insight into the world of TV news.
Mary Jane Clark’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40517.Mary_Jane_ClarkÂ
3. Sandra Brown
Writing Style & Themes
Sandra Brown mixes mystery with romance, creating high-tension thrillers featuring strong-willed women and dangerous secrets.Â
Her books share Mary Higgins Clark’s fast pace and emotional depth.
Notable Books/Series
- Smoke Screen (2008)
- Lethal (2011)
- Mean Streak (2014)
Why Readers Will Love Her
She masterfully blends romance and suspense, crafting addictive page-turners with compelling characters.Â
Fans of Clark’s thrillers will enjoy her gripping plots and unexpected twists.
Sandra Brown’s Website: sandrabrown.net
4. Iris Johansen
Writing Style & Themes
Iris Johansen’s novels feature forensic science, intense pacing and resilient female leads.Â
She shares Clark’s ability to create nail biting suspense with a deep emotional core.
Notable Books/Series
- The Face of Deception (1998)
- Eve (2011)
- The Killing Game (1999)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her background in forensic thrillers adds a layer of realism and intensity.Â
Fans of Clark’s strong heroines and investigative plots will find her books hard to put down.
Iris Johansen’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/32498.Iris_JohansenÂ
5. Linda Howard
Writing Style & Themes
Linda Howard blends romantic suspense with action-packed storytelling.Â
As an author like Mary Higgins Clark, she excels at creating tension-filled plots with resourceful heroines.
Notable Books/Series
- After the Night (1995)
- Open Season (2001)
- Mr. Perfect (2000)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her books offer gripping romance alongside high-stakes mysteries.Â
If you enjoy Clark’s mix of danger and emotion, then Howard’s novels will keep you hooked.
Linda Howard’s Website: https://www.lindahowardbooks.comÂ
6. Lisa Jackson
Writing Style & Themes
Lisa Jackson’s mysteries often center around family secrets, cold cases and psychological suspense.Â
She crafts intricate plots with a dark edge, similar to Clark’s signature style.
Notable Books/Series
- Close to Home (2014)
- Tell Me (2013)
- Shiver (2006)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her novels combine deep character development with chilling suspense.Â
Readers who love Clark’s intricate plots and emotional depth will be drawn to Jackson’s haunting thrillers.
Lisa Jackson’s Website: lisajackson.com
7. Karen Robards
Writing Style & Themes
Karen Robards blends contemporary and historical romantic suspense, crafting edge-of-your-seat thrillers.Â
As a writer like Mary Higgins Clark, she excels at tension-building and strong determined female protagonists.
Notable Books/Series
- Shattered (2010)
- The Last Victim (2012)
- Pursuit (2009)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her novels feature gripping suspense with a hint of romance making them addictive page-turners.Â
If you love Clark’s mix of danger and emotional stakes, Robards’ books will keep you well entertained.
Karen Robards’ Website: karenrobards.com
8. Elizabeth Lowell
Writing Style & Themes
Elizabeth Lowell weaves suspenseful mysteries with romance often featuring exotic settings and high-stakes conflicts.Â
She shares Clark’s ability to keep readers engaged with layered plots and compelling characters.
Notable Books/Series
- Amber Beach (1997)
- Jade Island (1998)
- Moving Target (2001)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her books transport readers to thrilling worlds filled with danger and romance.Â
Fans of Clark’s suspenseful storytelling will love Lowell’s intricate plots and strong-willed heroines.
Elizabeth Lowell’s Website: elizabethlowell.com
9. J.A. Jance
Writing Style & Themes
J.A. Jance writes gripping mysteries featuring strong female detectives.Â
Like Clark, she creates relatable characters navigating dangerous situations often with a mix of personal and professional struggles.
Notable Books/Series
- Desert Heat (1993) – Joanna Brady series
- Until Proven Guilty (1985) – J.P. Beaumont series
- Edge of Evil (2006) – Ali Reynolds series
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her mysteries are both thrilling and character-driven making them feel personal and immersive.Â
Fans of Clark’s female leads will find Jance’s protagonists equally compelling.
J.A. Jance’s Website: jajance.com
10. Sue Henry
Writing Style & Themes
Sue Henry’s mysteries are set against the rugged Alaskan wilderness blending atmospheric storytelling with suspense.Â
Like Clark, she created compelling female characters navigating life-threatening situations.
Notable Books/Series
- Murder on the Iditarod Trail (1991)
- Dead North (2001)
- Cold Company (2002)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her unique Alaskan settings add an extra layer of intrigue.Â
Fans of Clark’s character-driven plots and sense of place will enjoy Henry’s adventurous mysteries.
Sue Henry’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/46971.Sue_HenryÂ
11. Margaret Maron
Writing Style & Themes
Margaret Maron crafts Southern mysteries with rich settings and strong female leads.Â
As an author like Clark, she balances crime-solving with personal drama making her stories both thrilling and heartfelt.
Notable Books/Series
- Bootlegger’s Daughter (1992) – Deborah Knott series
- Slow Dollar (2002)
- Designated Daughters (2014)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her novels offer a unique mix of mystery, Southern charm and family dynamics.Â
If you love Clark’s intricate plots with personal stakes, then Maron’s books will captivate you.
Margaret Maron’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61762.Margaret_MaronÂ
12. Nancy Pickard
Writing Style & Themes
Nancy Pickard writes small-town mysteries filled with family secrets and unexpected twists.Â
Her novels like Clark’s focus on strong female protagonists uncovering hidden dangers.
Notable Books/Series
- Say No to Murder (1985) – Jenny Cain series
- The Virgin of Small Plains (2006)
- The Scent of Rain and Lightning (2010)
Why Readers Will Love Her
Her deeply atmospheric storytelling and layered characters make for gripping reads.Â
Fans of Clark’s suspenseful character-driven mysteries will find Pickard’s work equally enthralling.
Nancy Pickard’s Website: nancypickard.com
Final Word on Authors Like Mary Higgins Clark
If you’re looking for writers like Mary Higgins Clark, you have plenty of great options to explore from the above authors.
Whether it’s Carol Higgins Clark who continued with her mother’s legacy of suspense, Mary Jane Clark crafting media-driven thrillers or Sandra Brown blending romance with intrigue, each writer brings something unique to the table.
Fans of Clark’s strong female leads and gripping mysteries will also love the forensic-driven thrillers of Iris Johansen, the atmospheric settings of Sue Henry and the layered family secrets in Lisa Jackson’s novels.
From fast-paced thrillers to character-driven mysteries, these authors similar to Mary Higgins Clark deliver the same page-turning excitement that made her a legend.
