REVIEW: I’VE GOT MY EYES ON YOU, BY MARY HIGGINS CLARK

 

When a terrible crime shocks a New Jersey community, all signs point to one suspect. But if he’s innocent as he claims, it means the murderer is still out there…

After throwing a party when her parents were away, 18-year-old Kerry Dowling is discovered lifeless at the bottom of the family pool. The police immediately question Kerry’s boyfriend, who—despite proclaiming his love for her—was seen arguing with Kerry that night. As neighbors and classmates grieve the loss of their friend, Kerry’s 28-year-old sister Aline, a guidance counselor, searches for answers. She’ll do anything to help the Detective Mike Wilson learn what really happened the night Kerry was killed.

Was someone watching Kerry the night of the murder? For Aline, the truth could be deadly.

My Thoughts: I’ve Got My Eyes on You grabbed me from the opening lines and held onto my interest throughout. I loved the short chapters and fast pace. A murder in a backyard, the search for the perpetrator, and a growing number of suspects kept me guessing.

The characters intrigued me, as I wondered which of them would turn out to be the killer.

Aline, the sister of Kerry Dowling, had just started a new job as a guidance counselor at the high school, so she worked with the students to find out more about Kerry’s life, vigorously following clues. She also found herself drawn to Mike Wilson, the primary detective, and he listened to her ideas and suggestions.

Scott Kimball, a lacrosse coach who had connections to the kids, seemed friendly and helpful. But then Aline began to resent how he seemed to be so pushy and overly attentive. She turned away from him in favor of Mike.

I liked how the case grew more complex over time, and I started having suspicions about one or two of the characters. How would the pursuit of answers place Aline and the high school girls in danger?

An engaging story that kept me racing to find answers while relaxing into the story. 4.5 stars.

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