Clark carved a niche for herself in mystery writing with her first novel, Where Are the Children? (1975; see separate entry). It features a heroine, Nancy Eldredge, who with pluck, determination, and intelligence survives a tale in which anyone could be her enemy. Even in this early effort, Clark's skill at creating wellrounded protagonists is evident in the characterization of Nancy Eldredge, who, like Kerry, seems like a person taken from life and placed in a novel.