All Around the Town by Mary Higgins Clark
First Published January 1st 1992 by Pocket Books
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
352 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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When Laurie Kenyon, a twenty-one-year-old student, is accused of murdering her English professor, she has no memory of the crime. Her fingerprints, however, are everywhere. When she asks her sister, attorney Sarah, to mount her defense, Sarah in turn brings in psychiatrist Justin Donnelly. Kidnapped at the age of four and victimized for two years, Laurie has developed astounding coping skills. Only when the unbearable memories of those lost years are released can the truth of the crime come out—and only then can the final sadistic plan of her abductor, whose obsession is stronger than ever, be revealed.
Review
If you love classic suspense novels packed with court drama, psychological twists, and hidden motives, All Around the Town is a compelling page-turner that keeps you guessing until the final chapter!
The Premise: A Mind Fragmented by Trauma
The story follows Laurie Montgomery, a young college student accused of murdering her English professor. While the evidence against her seems overwhelming, Laurie has no memory of the crime. As defense attorney Justin Mitchell and psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Thorne investigate, they discover that childhood trauma caused Laurie’s mind to fracture into multiple distinct personalities—one of whom may hold the key to what really happened that night.
Psychological Depth & Courtroom Drama
Mary Higgins Clark crafts a suspenseful narrative centered on psychological complexity:
- The Multiple Personalities: Each of Laurie’s internal alters plays a distinct role in protecting her or uncovering past secrets, adding layers of mystery to the trial.
- High-Stakes Investigation: The race against time between the legal trial and the psychiatric evaluation creates continuous tension throughout the book.
- Twists & Red Herrings: The author skillfully drops clues and red herrings, keeping the true killer’s identity hidden until the final reveal.
Pacing & Writing Style
The narrative moves at a swift pace with short, engaging chapters that build suspense effortlessly. While the psychological aspects are stylized for dramatic effect, the mystery holds up exceptionally well and delivers a satisfying resolution.
Final Verdict
All Around the Town is a classic Mary Higgins Clark crime thriller—engaging, fast-paced, and filled with psychological intrigue!
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