Mystery writer Carol Higgins Clark dies of cancer

Writer Carol Higgins Clark passed away June 12 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after a three year battle with appendix cancer. She was 66 years old.

Clark was the daughter of literary giant Mary Higgins Clark, one of the world’s most popular mysterywriters, with whom she frequently collaborated before her death in 2020.

Born and raised in Washington Township, N.J., Clark attended Immaculate Heart Academy and graduated from Mount Holyoke College. Just two weeks prior, she attended her college’s 45th anniversary reunion and had the joy of reconnecting with many classmates.

Clark achieved success as a mystery writer, authoring eighteen novels featuring Private Investigator Regan Reilly as the main character. Her debut book, DECKED, was nominated for the 1992 Agatha Award and the Anthony Award for “Best First Novel.” She continued her writing career with books like SNAGGED, ICED, MOBBED, LACED, HITCHED, and her final published Regan Reilly mystery, SCAMMED. Clark wore a gold necklace adorned with charms representing each title.

Collaborating with her late mother, Mary Higgins Clark, Carol co-wrote four novels featuring the characters Alvirah and Willy Meehan, a retired couple who found themselves involved in criminal investigations. Some of Carol’s books were adapted into television movies, and she made appearances in them. She began her career by typing her mother’s manuscripts and eventually established herself as a successful writer.

In 2016, Carol was honored with induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. At the ceremony, her mother introduced her, having been inducted herself in 2011.

Carol actively supported various charities, including Catholic Charities, Project Angel Food, and ACPMP—an appendix cancer research foundation. She recently recorded a video about appendix cancer on behalf of ACPMP, aiming to raise awareness and provide support for research efforts. Carol also remained a loyal supporter of her alma mater, Mount Holyoke.

Carol is survived by her siblings, Marilyn, Warren, and David Clark, as well as her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren F. Clark and Mary Higgins Clark, her sister Patricia Clark, and her sister-in-law Sharon Clark.