Mary Higgins Clark’s death resonates on Cape Cod

CHATHAM — When author and part-time Dennis resident Mary Higgins Clark visited Yellow Umbrella Books in Chatham there would be a line of devoted fans that went out the door and wrapped around the building.

“Even after signing for two-and-a-half hours the line would never get shorter,” said Eric Linder, owner of the bookstore. “As fast she would sell a book and sign them, more people would get in line.”

Clark, known as the “Queen of Suspense,” died in Florida on Jan. 31 at the age of 92.

She wrote 38 suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a historical novel, a memoir, and two children’s books.

Beginning in 1975 with the publication of “Where are the Children,” which is set on the Cape, each of her 56 books has been a bestseller. More than 100 million copies of her books are in print in the United States alone.

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Clark divided her time between a home in Saddle River, N.J., a New York City apartment, and her home in East Dennis.

She was a frequent visitor to Yellow Umbrella Books and would stop in to shop, do research, and did at least 10 book signings, said Linder.

Many of her stories are based on the Cape, including “Remember Me,” which was based in Chatham, said Linder, who noted that the book even has mention of his store.

One of his fondest memories was when Clark visited the store during Christmastime to promote her children’s books, including “Ghost Ship” and then later, “The Magical Christmas Horse,” said Linder.

Most of Clark’s events were held in the summer and it was extra special to have her during the holidays, he said.

“I will miss her greatly,” said Linder. “She is probably one of the nicest authors I have ever met.”

Valerie Arroyo, a manager at the Brewster Book Store, had a similar experience. Clark, who last visited in 2014, had a line out the door and around the building.

“She was so gracious with everyone in line who waited for her,” said Arroyo. “She took the time to chat and took photos.”

Any time one of Clark’s books came out, the store sold lots of copies, said Arroyo. Her fans loved her, she said.

“We were so sad to hear the news,” said Arroyo. “She is a legend.”

In 2007, Clark visited the Eight Cousins bookstore in Falmouth, said Mary Fran Buckley, one of the owners.

“Oh boy does she have a loyal following,” said Buckley. “We had a line out the door and onto the street.”

Buckley remembers that Clark was at the store signing away and taking pictures with her fans. The author was very loyal to her fans and appreciated them, Buckley said, adding that Clark was a pleasure to have in the store.

As a fan of mysteries, Buckley said she always enjoyed reading Clark’s books.

Her stories “surpass the test of time,” said Buckley.

To Cape author Leslie Meier, whose new novel “Invitation Only” just came out, Clark was an “inspiration.”

Meier said Clark participated in the Cape Cod Writers Center and spoke at a few events hosted by the organization.

After listening to one of her presentations Meier said the one thing that stuck with her was: “You don’t kick away the ladder that you rose on.”

“She wasn’t always successful,” said Meier. When she did get famous, “she didn’t take it for granted.”

In an interview with the Times in 1999, Clark said that her favorite place on Cape Cod is at her East Dennis home, which she bought in 1979, spending many summers there with her children and grandchildren.

“Watching the sunset go over Cape Cod Bay is like sitting in the arms of God,” she told the Times.