It Only Takes a Moment: A Novel of Suspense
by Mary Jane Clark
Published by William Morrow
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Reviewed by Sara Porter
(Also available as CD with author as one reader)
I live in Jefferson County, Missouri, about 30 minutes from where Shawn Hornbeck was kidnapped near his Richwoods’ home and an hour from Kirkwood where he was found, alive, four years later. So the stories of kidnapped children have surrounded me and have fascinated, frightened, and intrigued me. Though a fictional account, It Only Takes a Moment is a thriller that captures the fear and uncertainty that surrounds the story of a kidnapped child and the theories about who was involved.
Widowed morning news host, Eliza Blake’s daughter, Janie has been abducted with her housekeeper, Carmen, who was an unwilling accomplice to the kidnapping. Eliza and her friends Annabelle, B.J. and Margo, a.k.a. the Sunrise Suspense Society, set out to find her with the help and sometimes hindrance of the F.B.I., local law enforcement, the press, and various eyewitnesses.
The story moves along at a brisk pace with very short chapters and does well with the coverage of kidnappings and the theories that is associated with it. Many characters have their suspicions, and others, from Carmen and her immigrant family, to an argumentative childless couple, to Eliza herself, are held under scrutiny. The way Clark writes is exactly how many people react following such a story and what they might say about the people involved.
The main characters are wonderful and very multi-dimensional. Though worried about her daughter, Eliza is not a passive heroine. With her loyal and talented friends, she takes action. She confronts news people, starts a website to locate Janie, and investigates lead after lead. Carmen and Janie are also very strong-willed in their captivity, terrified, but also willing to fight their assailants and try to escape. Even the kidnappers are given reasons for what they do, making them somewhat understandable.
There are also some interesting supporting characters, such as the eccentric psychic, Stephanie Quick who steals every scene that she is in. Unfortunately one too many side characters are introduced and subplots and red herrings try to throw the reader, but never get resolved so they end up being confusing and irritating. After awhile, it’s hard to tell who’s who and we are left with questions about plots that were left hanging by the all-too abrupt ending.
Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful book that would have been improved with editing and attention to some details.
Author’s Web site: http://www.MaryJaneClark.com