NY Times best selling novelist, Mary Jane Clark, will be the featured author at the Holiday Inn Beaufort’s new venue, “Authors at the Albergotti” on Thursday, August 14 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Sponsored by the University of South Carolina Beaufort, the mystery writer will talk about her latest book, It Only Takes a Moment, at the Albergotti Grill, which faces the beautiful Albergotti marsh and creek at the Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary Street, Beaufort.
    Publishers Weekly says It Only Takes a Moment is “a multitude of red herrings to keep the reader guessing to the shocking conclusion.”  In the high-stakes world of broadcast journalism, long-time producer Mary Jane Clark has covered her share of criminal investigations.  Yet, her personal connection to crime stems even further.  The daughter of an FBI Agent, Clark was fascinated and fearful, growing up as her father delved into the heart of high-profile kidnapping and extortion cases—among them: the Bronfman heir kidnapping, the Patty Hearst case, and the kidnapping of Calvin Klein’s daughter.  As she notes, “kidnapping was my father’s specialty…(and) I paid a lot of attention to the details at an impressionable age.”
    It Only Takes a Moment is an intricate tale of suspense hinged on the kidnapping of a popular TV celebrity’s 7-year-old daughter and the entourage of seasoned journalist friends who help her uncover the plot.  Clark writes, “It’s about icy fear, anguished helplessness, and self-recrimination—all while time passes and the child you love drifts farther and farther away from you.”
    This is the second in the series of “Authors at the Albergotti” which USCB’s Continuing Education is bringing to the Albergotti.  The first afternoon social featured Mary Alice Monroe, and after the August event, the next one is Wednesday, September 17th featuring Damon Lee Fowler, noted Savannah chef and cookbook author.  This casual Southern afternoon social provides the authors an opportunity to mingle with guests, talk about their newly released books, sign books and enjoy Southern goodies.  Registration is necessary.  Representatives of the Bay Street Trading bookstore will be on hand to sell books. The all-inclusive price is $25 and to register call 843-521-4147 or email kingsley@uscb.edu.