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Alvirah & Willy #3
All Through the Night
Mary Higgins Clark, the Queen of Suspense, celebrates the season with this Christmas classic featuring two of her most beloved characters.
All of Alvirah's deductive powers and Willy's world-class common sense are called upon as the two stumble into a Christmas mystery. A woman abandons her newborn at a Manhattan church. Simultaneously, a thief is absconding with a treasured artifact, a chalice adorned with a star-shaped diamond. To elude police, he grabs the stroller and disappears. Seven years later, the mother returns to the scene and finds Alvirah and Willy helping neighborhood kids prepare for a Christmas pageant at an after-school shelter. Soon the savvy sleuths set out to solve the puzzle of the missing child and chalice -- and to unmask scam artists threatening to shut down the shelter.
All of Alvirah's deductive powers and Willy's world-class common sense are called upon as the two stumble into a Christmas mystery. A woman abandons her newborn at a Manhattan church. Simultaneously, a thief is absconding with a treasured artifact, a chalice adorned with a star-shaped diamond. To elude police, he grabs the stroller and disappears. Seven years later, the mother returns to the scene and finds Alvirah and Willy helping neighborhood kids prepare for a Christmas pageant at an after-school shelter. Soon the savvy sleuths set out to solve the puzzle of the missing child and chalice -- and to unmask scam artists threatening to shut down the shelter.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 20, 1986
About the author
Mary Higgins Clark
373 books13.8k followersThe #1 New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark has written thirty-eight suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a historical novel, a memoir, and two children’s books. With bestselling author Alafair Burke she wrote the Under Suspicion series. With her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, she has coauthored five more suspense novels. Her sister-in-law is the also author Mary Jane Clark.
Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and made her an international bestseller many times over.
Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and made her an international bestseller many times over.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 548 reviews
December 9, 2021
3.5⭐️
A heartwarming Christmas book with a happy ending. Mary Higgins Clark-I always know I can rely on you! ❤️
This is a great thriller for those who don’t want to read about any heavy topics and is a lot more innocent of a read in comparison to other thrillers and mysteries.
I loved the tense and creepy parts with Lenny and the parts with Sondra searching for her daughter, but there were parts about a mortgage fraud that I wasn’t interested in.
I loved how short this book was and I finished it in a day so that’s always nice to fly through a quick read. However, the downside of really short books is
(and I didn’t dock points for this) I felt like I didn’t truly get to know the main characters as this is the third book in the series so the characters seemed slightly underdeveloped to me.
It is a LOT of church talk about nuns and saints and whatnot. I didn’t mind, but just a heads up if you aren’t the religious type or don’t know much about Catholicism.
It’s a good thing I didn’t start this last night or I would have read it ‘All Through the Night.’ 😂🤣
A heartwarming Christmas book with a happy ending. Mary Higgins Clark-I always know I can rely on you! ❤️
This is a great thriller for those who don’t want to read about any heavy topics and is a lot more innocent of a read in comparison to other thrillers and mysteries.
I loved the tense and creepy parts with Lenny and the parts with Sondra searching for her daughter, but there were parts about a mortgage fraud that I wasn’t interested in.
I loved how short this book was and I finished it in a day so that’s always nice to fly through a quick read. However, the downside of really short books is
(and I didn’t dock points for this) I felt like I didn’t truly get to know the main characters as this is the third book in the series so the characters seemed slightly underdeveloped to me.
It is a LOT of church talk about nuns and saints and whatnot. I didn’t mind, but just a heads up if you aren’t the religious type or don’t know much about Catholicism.
It’s a good thing I didn’t start this last night or I would have read it ‘All Through the Night.’ 😂🤣
August 22, 2018
This harmless but unambitious book was a quick read, despite not being a novella. That's it from me, that's my review... but if I want to point out something it's that this is part of a series, and I read the 3rd book unknowlingly.
The similarities between Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter Carol are quite evident. Mary developed her trademark style over the years, while Carol took some kind of seminar from her mother. Carol has more humor to her books, as a kind of dry, deadpan style.
Mary has her dark books and her light books, and I've enjoyed both types. This one was such an enjoyable read, that for once I cannot take the pulse of the book and tell you what makes it tick. I think it deserves more than the average 3.70 points that is attached to the book. Now I'm reading book 2 and it's even better, yet lower in the ratings, with 3.66 points.
The similarities between Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter Carol are quite evident. Mary developed her trademark style over the years, while Carol took some kind of seminar from her mother. Carol has more humor to her books, as a kind of dry, deadpan style.
Mary has her dark books and her light books, and I've enjoyed both types. This one was such an enjoyable read, that for once I cannot take the pulse of the book and tell you what makes it tick. I think it deserves more than the average 3.70 points that is attached to the book. Now I'm reading book 2 and it's even better, yet lower in the ratings, with 3.66 points.
November 20, 2023
The three plotlines of this cozy mystery come together during Christmas festivities, including a children's Nativity Pageant. The likable characters add to the warmth of this "feel good" holiday mystery.
April 27, 2019
I have been enjoying the books of Mary Higgins Clark for some years although I will admit I treat them rather like a palette cleanser between big reads.
This is another such break - it is part of the Alvirah and Willy series which I will be the first one to put my hand up to and say I am reading totally out of order. I have read a few of them, however at the start of this book there are references to some of their previous adventures so I recognise and others i do not (maybe I should sit down and work out the timeline of this series once and for all).
however reading out of order aside (as it does not really affect the storyline or the enjoyment of this book in the slightest). The story pretty much flows as you would expect (and how you would expect having read the cover of the book or previews).
However on reflection its now down to the surprises and twists to the story its more about the gentle ride you take with the heroes of the story as the slowly circle in on the villains and fix the world in the process. If ever there is such a think as a feel good mystery this book (and the series) most certainly would fit the description.
So for me it was good fun and great break in the trends I have been reading recently - shame it was such a short book but then again there is never a shortage of Mary Higgins Clark books to choose from.
This is another such break - it is part of the Alvirah and Willy series which I will be the first one to put my hand up to and say I am reading totally out of order. I have read a few of them, however at the start of this book there are references to some of their previous adventures so I recognise and others i do not (maybe I should sit down and work out the timeline of this series once and for all).
however reading out of order aside (as it does not really affect the storyline or the enjoyment of this book in the slightest). The story pretty much flows as you would expect (and how you would expect having read the cover of the book or previews).
However on reflection its now down to the surprises and twists to the story its more about the gentle ride you take with the heroes of the story as the slowly circle in on the villains and fix the world in the process. If ever there is such a think as a feel good mystery this book (and the series) most certainly would fit the description.
So for me it was good fun and great break in the trends I have been reading recently - shame it was such a short book but then again there is never a shortage of Mary Higgins Clark books to choose from.
November 29, 2016
This is a very nice, cozy mystery. I really enjoyed the lighthearted Christmas theme. It doesn't take very long to read it, which is nice. It only took me a couple of hours to read, once I actually had time to sit down! I had a feeling I knew how it would end, but it didn't take away from the story. =o)
December 30, 2019
1 1/2 stars
The idea for the story itself was decent... the execution was a miserable failure. The writing style was terrible, and the plot points were ridiculous. Both "mysteries" were completely obvious, and I can't believe it took almost 100 pages before a light bulb went off over one of the main characters heads, and "POOF", the mysteries were resolved. I never would have guessed that this had been penned by a best selling author. I would have thought it had been written by a rank amateur.
This was the 2nd novel I have read by Mary Higgins Clark, and I have disliked both of them. This author obviously is not for me.
NOTE: I didn't realize this was a series book when I picked it up. It definitely read like one.
The idea for the story itself was decent... the execution was a miserable failure. The writing style was terrible, and the plot points were ridiculous. Both "mysteries" were completely obvious, and I can't believe it took almost 100 pages before a light bulb went off over one of the main characters heads, and "POOF", the mysteries were resolved. I never would have guessed that this had been penned by a best selling author. I would have thought it had been written by a rank amateur.
This was the 2nd novel I have read by Mary Higgins Clark, and I have disliked both of them. This author obviously is not for me.
NOTE: I didn't realize this was a series book when I picked it up. It definitely read like one.
December 11, 2024
Mary Higgins Clark was a master at the light mystery/cozy mystery. She is missed, but she left behind a treasure trove of wonderful Christmas books. "All Through the Night" is an early one, but it doesn't show its' age. Alvirah actually solves two mysteries in this story, and I just love how, a lapel recorder, she is able to review conversations and get to the bottom of the mysteries.
Seven years ago, a young woman left the infant daughter on the steps of a church. At the same time that church was being robbed of a valuable chalice with a star-shaped diamond. The robber came across the baby and took her too. Fast forward and the baby's mother is back in New York, regretting her rash decision and wondering what happened to her baby.
Alvirah and Willy, her husband are lottery multi-millionaires but have not lost their heads with it. They volunteer with a program of the church in danger of being closed down. The after-school care provided is critical to the working parents. A parishioner has just died, and her property is to be used as a new home for the children's program, until two scammers come forward with a new will.
Alvirah has her work cut out for her as she attempts to unravel both these mysteries, but she is one determined woman and has an excellent read to all the people involved.
Seven years ago, a young woman left the infant daughter on the steps of a church. At the same time that church was being robbed of a valuable chalice with a star-shaped diamond. The robber came across the baby and took her too. Fast forward and the baby's mother is back in New York, regretting her rash decision and wondering what happened to her baby.
Alvirah and Willy, her husband are lottery multi-millionaires but have not lost their heads with it. They volunteer with a program of the church in danger of being closed down. The after-school care provided is critical to the working parents. A parishioner has just died, and her property is to be used as a new home for the children's program, until two scammers come forward with a new will.
Alvirah has her work cut out for her as she attempts to unravel both these mysteries, but she is one determined woman and has an excellent read to all the people involved.
December 25, 2020
A charming Christmas mystery.
November 1, 2026
Me gusta mucho esta autora, pero este libro me ha parecido lo más flojito que he leído de ella, aún así tiene buenos momentos
June 6, 2017
Inkvotary
A nice and lovely christmas story. Alvirah is smart and wonderful as ever and her way to solve problems really charming. And Stellina is a beautiful girl.
Mary Higgins Clark wrote this novel in a nice, soft tone and used her style she became famous for. Decent, with some little action but no blood or other things like that. Stellina is such a cutie. She loves her Nonna very much and feels by instinct that her father isn´t really a good guy.
If you like to read such stories around Christmas, this is your book.
A nice and lovely christmas story. Alvirah is smart and wonderful as ever and her way to solve problems really charming. And Stellina is a beautiful girl.
Mary Higgins Clark wrote this novel in a nice, soft tone and used her style she became famous for. Decent, with some little action but no blood or other things like that. Stellina is such a cutie. She loves her Nonna very much and feels by instinct that her father isn´t really a good guy.
If you like to read such stories around Christmas, this is your book.
December 10, 2023
I read this book many, many years ago and picked it up again to get into the holiday spirit. With two separate but connecting plot lines, featuring the recurring characters Alvirah and Willy Meehan, this was a quick, heartwarming Christmas mystery. Exactly what you would expect from Marry Higgins Clark.
December 7, 2011
From my review on Unleash the Flying Monkeys!
A sweet holiday tale that may prove too predictable and lighthearted for hardcore fans of the thriller-mystery genre or Higgins Clark’s previous novels.
What I Liked Most
All Through the Night had a solid beginning and ending; there were questions for which I wanted answers. I’ll admit I even teared up a bit at the end. There was a positive vibe that warmed my heart which, as a Christmas story, it was probably meant to do.
What I Liked Least
During my teens I read several of Higgins Clark’s novels that I borrowed from my mom’s bookshelf. Those Higgins Clark novels were suspenseful, often involving a murder mystery, and usually featured a strong female lead.
All Through the Night lacked suspense and a strong mystery. It was too sugary for my taste. The mystery wasn’t really a mystery. The coincidences seemed way too thin to believe. And the connections Alvirah made in the story would, in the real world, have to be the result of psychic abilities, or some serious obsessing. I had to consciously suspend disbelief whenever Alvirah “solved” something because it was all just so darn easy. Sure, there was mild conflict but I didn’t believe anyone was in real danger; the overall tone felt like everything would work out fine for everyone anyway.
Final Thoughts
All Through the Night is a good selection for anyone, any age, who wants a quick and easy read filled with Christmas spirit. Remember, don’t expect anything thought-provoking or suspenseful, just light reading that’ll leave you with a serious case of the warm ‘n fuzzies.
2.5 stars
A sweet holiday tale that may prove too predictable and lighthearted for hardcore fans of the thriller-mystery genre or Higgins Clark’s previous novels.
What I Liked Most
All Through the Night had a solid beginning and ending; there were questions for which I wanted answers. I’ll admit I even teared up a bit at the end. There was a positive vibe that warmed my heart which, as a Christmas story, it was probably meant to do.
What I Liked Least
During my teens I read several of Higgins Clark’s novels that I borrowed from my mom’s bookshelf. Those Higgins Clark novels were suspenseful, often involving a murder mystery, and usually featured a strong female lead.
All Through the Night lacked suspense and a strong mystery. It was too sugary for my taste. The mystery wasn’t really a mystery. The coincidences seemed way too thin to believe. And the connections Alvirah made in the story would, in the real world, have to be the result of psychic abilities, or some serious obsessing. I had to consciously suspend disbelief whenever Alvirah “solved” something because it was all just so darn easy. Sure, there was mild conflict but I didn’t believe anyone was in real danger; the overall tone felt like everything would work out fine for everyone anyway.
Final Thoughts
All Through the Night is a good selection for anyone, any age, who wants a quick and easy read filled with Christmas spirit. Remember, don’t expect anything thought-provoking or suspenseful, just light reading that’ll leave you with a serious case of the warm ‘n fuzzies.
2.5 stars
December 3, 2009
This book was a gift from a dear friend; I would never have bought it for myself. While I enjoyed Mary Higgins Clark many, many years ago, her sappy, HEA, light-hearted stories are not my usual fare. They are, however, great mind candy and fulfill the need too read a Christmas book. I didn't warm to Alvirah's character for some reason, although I think she and her husband, Wally, are clearly a devoted couple and Wally suffers his wife's intrusion into anything she considers a mystery. The sunburst pin that conceals a microphone is too hokey for words.
November 2, 2018
This is a sweet Christmas mystery, actually a double mystery. It's charming with the innocence of the children in the after-school program as they prepare their Christmas pageant. There's tension and sadness in hearing about the life of a concert violinist's internal strife and then the bad guys seem to have no redeeming qualities. What more could you hope for...redemption? Isn't that the perfect Christmas idea?! I do so enjoy these Christmas mysteries of Mary Higgins Clark.
February 8, 2009
I found this story slow, boring, and very predictable; the ending is evident from the start. I occasionally read Miss Higgins books but this one I have to admit should have stayed at the book store.
January 16, 2016
I think this type of book is why I stopped reading Mary Higgins Clark...It was so cheesy!!
December 29, 2016
Another cute and short Christmas story by Mary Higgins Clark. I am a big fan of her mystery novels and it's always so great to find her short stories to pass the time between reads (or to complete reading goals at the end of the year lol). A good recommendation for Christmas time!
January 4, 2012
A human interest story that is appropriate for the Christmas season. This is a fine way to while away an hour or two as long as expectations are not set too high. Got to love Alvirah and Willy.
December 19, 2022
If unlikely coincidences didn't exist, neither would MHC books.
December 24, 2022
Boring and predictable 😕
June 21, 2023
I liked the whole "old-paperback-for-whiling-away-time-on-a-train-journey" vibes of the book, but it was clearly meant for a younger audience. There were clear hints of inspiration drawn from Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, but the mysteries were wrapped up way too easily and a lot of narrative license was (mis)used.
But it was a fun and fast read despite its utter incredulity.
But it was a fun and fast read despite its utter incredulity.
December 1, 2022
Heart warming story ,a true Christmas story.
April 4, 2020
Such a sweet story! Loved it!
December 5, 2017
This was a great little Christmas story. Mary Higgins Clark always nails it.
November 4, 2020
3.5 stars. This was a really fun story. My only complaint is that it was a little too short and I wish I would've known Willy and Alvira already from the previous books (though this is a complete story in itself and I didn't need any of it for understanding). In the beginning of this book, we see a woman leaving her baby outside of a church. She's a young mom in a bad situation and can't care for her child. Then we meet Willy and Alvira, an older married couple who are about to go to Bessie's funeral. Willy's sister runs an after school program for all under privileged kids with nowhere to go. She's in danger of losing it, but Bessie leaves her home to her sister Kate for the purpose of having a place for the kids. HOWEVER, at the last minute some of the renter's in Bessie's house pull out a newer will that says she left the house to them. So, Alvira tries to figure out which will is correct and what's supposed to happen. Of course, there is a connection between the baby and the current situation. Overall, this was super fun and I enjoyed reading it.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
The renters were con artists who preyed on old people. They used a fake person to sign the new will so the house ends up going to the kids. One of the kids is the baby who was left on the doorstep and she is reunited with her birth mother. Her dad, Lenny (the guy who stole her-- not biological dad), is a drug delivery man who gets busted and her grandma (who is so sweet) is in the hospital, so presumably she'll end up with the mom :)
SPOILERS AHEAD:
The renters were con artists who preyed on old people. They used a fake person to sign the new will so the house ends up going to the kids. One of the kids is the baby who was left on the doorstep and she is reunited with her birth mother. Her dad, Lenny (the guy who stole her-- not biological dad), is a drug delivery man who gets busted and her grandma (who is so sweet) is in the hospital, so presumably she'll end up with the mom :)
July 14, 2012
In some circles, this book would be considered a novella because of the length, but don’t let that fool you. This is a complete story that will equal any book of twice as many pages.
Alvirah Meehan is back to use her amateur sleuth skills to solve yet another mystery. This time, it begins when a baby is left at the doorstep of a church and the thief who is there to steal a treasured chalice takes the newborn home with him. He raises the girl as his own, but years later, the mother returns and tries to find out what happened to her child. Did she die of exposure or was she adopted and leading a much better life?
Mary Higgins Clark takes us on a journey of a lifetime as we follow this story and watch Alvirah as she attempts to solve the mystery. It’s great fun and an intriguing tale and you definitely need to add it to your reading list.
Alvirah Meehan is back to use her amateur sleuth skills to solve yet another mystery. This time, it begins when a baby is left at the doorstep of a church and the thief who is there to steal a treasured chalice takes the newborn home with him. He raises the girl as his own, but years later, the mother returns and tries to find out what happened to her child. Did she die of exposure or was she adopted and leading a much better life?
Mary Higgins Clark takes us on a journey of a lifetime as we follow this story and watch Alvirah as she attempts to solve the mystery. It’s great fun and an intriguing tale and you definitely need to add it to your reading list.
June 2, 2011
This is a lovely magical Christmas tale with a couple fun mysteries and a hefty religious component which I loved! I wish there were 100 of these types so I could read one every Christmas and remember the real reason for the season! 🎄❤️💚 Mary never fails me!
October 30, 2012
Very good book, I enjoyed it and I LOVED the ending!!
February 28, 2015
Not bad. Quick read. Kept my interest.
December 18, 2020
Another Christmas story with several mysteries to be solved. I like Mary's writing and her plots and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 548 reviews