It Only Takes a Moment

Written by Mary Jane Clark

Narrated by Isabel Keating

Eliza Blake, host of the top-rated KEY News morning show, has witnessed tragedy and danger in her career. But nothing the accomplished professional has experienced has prepared her for when her seven-year-old daughter, Janie, is snatched from summer camp. The country's viewers are glued to their television sets, anxiously awaiting the news that their favorite morning-television personality's little girl has been found.

With each passing day, the FBI and local authorities track down every lead: A profile of the kidnapper's most likely characteristics is developed, every fan letter written to Eliza over the last six months is scrutinized, every sex offender registered within a fifty-mile radius is interviewed, and psychics from around the country appear on Eliza's doorstep offering their help.

But Eliza isn't going to sit around and wait for answers. She and the rest of the Sunrise Suspense Society—brilliant producer Annabelle Murphy, cameraman extraordinaire B.J. D'Elia, and psychiatrist Dr. Margo Gonzalez—will band together to outwit a cunning criminal whose shocking motives threaten to snuff out a terrified little girl's life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jul 29, 2008
• ISBN: 9780061702402

Mary Jane Clark

Mary Jane Clark worked at CBS News for nearly three decades. Her twelve KEY News media thrillers were inspired by that experience. Envisioning the Piper Donovan/Wedding Cake mystery series, Mary Jane enrolled in cake-decorating classes and researched unique wedding locations. The daughter of an FBI agent and a mother who customized cakes for the neighborhood kids when she was growing up, Mary Jane has two grown children and splits her time between New Jersey and Florida.

Reviews for It Only Takes a Moment

[gypsysmom_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of the kidnaping of the young child of a TV news anchorperson. There is a twist at the end that I didn't see coming but other than that it seemed fairly standard fare. It's a quick summer read.

[mmoj_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was another very good book in a list of good books. I was completely clueless until almost the last page, literally! The characters are becoming closer, although I find Mack superfluous. I did wish Clark would have put a little more time into BJ but do enjoy the strength and "realness" of the women characters. So glad Mrs. Garcia was okay.

[kwoman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I typically have tried to stay away from her books, but I am glad this one didn't stay away from me! The author keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the book, and never lets go of you for one single second! From the beginning to the very end-an ending, by the way, that I so did not expect!-I never lost interest at all.

[trishalynn0708 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It has been a few years since I have read a book by Mary Jane Clark. I have two more books to read to be caught up with all of the books she has written. And even though I have not read her books in a while I had no problem picking this book up and remember exactly who Eliza Blake was. The book starts off with Eliza at work and the housekeeper, Mrs. Garcia and Janie-Eliza's daughter- getting Janie ready to head to day camp. After Janie has left a mysterious black van pulls into the Blake's drive way, two people get out and they go into the house and makes Mrs. Garcia go with them. They tell her all of the bad things that will happen to Janie if she doesn't listen. They tell Mrs. Garcia that she has to drive to camp and sign Janie out. That is just the first few pages of how the book started, it already has you guessing, right? I guessed all the way up until the last chapter. When I found out who the actual kidnappers were I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. Mary Jane Clark is an amazing author and if you like suspense and mystery then this book is for you!

[cassiopia_cat · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I found this book a little light for my taste. The short chapters were disconcerting and I felt that the characters lacked depth and I was not invested in their safety. I t was an easy read and I finished it quickly which was fine as the story felt quite superficial and suited the brief writing style.I can see that the author knows well the politics of the newsroom and television reporting as this reads more like a script for a show than an in depth story based on the kidnapping of a child. I felt none of the urgency that I should have felt.One thing that intrigued me was the surprise that I encountered at the end of the book. The villain was NOT who I expected it to be.

[cats57_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"It Only Takes A Moment” by Mary Jane ClarkEliza Blake, is a very a successful anchor at a top rated morning News show. She thinks that she has seen the worst that man can do to man, until one day her young daughter and housekeeper are abducted. Now the horrors that Eliza has faced vicariously during her career, has become personal. Very personal. We, as the audience are treated to a behind the scenes look at what happens to a TV personality when their lives fall apart and we get to view it in brutal living color with a wide screen and high definition.This is a fast paced book about the four most critical days of abduction. It’s tightly written with short, well paced chapters. Great characters, that are very well written and for the most part, believable; if a little stereotypical. The red herrings alone add to the enjoyment of this novel and keep you guessing as to who-dun-it right up to near the bitter end.I enjoyed “It Only Takes a Moment” so much, that I will be purchasing several more of Ms Clark’s earlier novels, and this one is defiantly a keeper.