cover image All by Myself, Alone

All by Myself, Alone

Mary Higgins Clark. Simon & Schuster, $26.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-5011-3111-0

In this lesser effort from MWA Grand Master Clark, lottery winners Alvirah and Willy Meehan, last seen in 2016’s As Time Goes By, celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary by taking a luxury cruise aboard the Queen Charlotte, which is making her maiden voyage from New York to Southampton, England. Limited to only 100 guests and boasting world-class accommodations and entertainment, the ship welcomes A-list luminaries such as 86-year-old Lady Emily Haywood, who possesses a fabulous emerald necklace once owned by Cleopatra. Lady Emily is accompanied by her assistant, Brenda Martin; her investment manager, Roger Pearson; and Roger’s avaricious wife, Yvonne. Other passengers include gemologist Celia Kilbride, attorney Ted Cavanaugh, and thief Devon Michaelson. Each has reason to covet the necklace. When a murderer strikes, Alvirah slips into sleuthing mode. The sweet relationship between Alvirah and Willy is some consolation in this formulaic thriller that’s short on suspense. [em]Agent: Robert Barnett, Williams & Connolly. (Apr.) [/em]