A Book A Week

There's nothing quite like discovering a new author and wondering why it took you so long to read their writing. Harlan Coben is one of those authors for me. Although I had heard his name praised among thriller enthusiasts for years, I didn't delve into his work until I picked up I Will Find You. That book felt like a summer action movie, brimming with exciting twists and turns, offering the perfect escapism. I was captivated by the novel's setup—an impossible situation that I couldn't wait to see unfold. I promised myself I would read more from Coben, and that time has come with his latest book, Think Twice.

Attorney and ex-professional basketball player Myron Bolitar has just resumed his duties at his agency, representing sports stars and celebrities, when things take an unexpected turn. Two federal agents storm into the office, demanding answers from Myron and his business partner, Win. They are seeking information about Myron's former client, basketball star and coach Greg Downing. The agents relentlessly refuse to accept Myron and Win's assertions that they have no new information. After all, Greg has been dead and buried for the past three years!

The agents present evidence suggesting that Greg may not be as dead as Myron and Win believe. Both had attended his funeral, but this evidence is hard to deny: Greg's DNA was discovered at the scene of the recent murders of Cecelia Callister and her son Clay. Nothing about this situation makes sense, and this newfound evidence only raises more questions. As Myron and Win dig deeper, they uncover a pattern of seemingly related murders. Are they dealing with a resurrected friend and former client, or is this the work of a cunning and nefarious serial killer?

Think Twice is the 12th novel featuring Coben's hero, Myron Bolitar, and the first new installment in 12 years. As this was my first introduction to the character, it took some time to fully grasp the relationships and dynamics among the characters. I've heard there are Easter eggs for longtime readers of the series, but any hidden references or features went entirely over my head. Nevertheless, I was instantly intrigued by the premise of a dead man's forensic evidence showing up at a murder scene.

The opening scene reveals that the killer is framing someone, but Coben keeps the identity and motives of the culprit a mystery. He promised readers wouldn't see the big reveal coming, which was true for me. Like the last Coben novel I read, this one stretches the bounds of believability, but I didn't mind. It was a fun and twisted ride, capturing my attention over several sittings. That said, reading the previous novels first would enhance the experience. While Think Twice can work as a standalone, you may miss details and context that enrich your enjoyment of the story.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 51)

My mission to read new to me authors continues, this time with the latest book by thriller author Harlan Coben. Coben is another one of those authors I have always heard about but have never read. I first became familiar with his work years ago after picking up a used paperback copy of his book Tell No One. At the time, Ben Affleck was attached as the director of a film adaptation of the title, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to read the book before the movie arrived. Instead, I procrastinated with the book, and the movie version was quietly scrapped. Coben's work continued to sit on my shelf unread until his publisher reached out with the offer to read his latest novel I Will Find You. 

The loss of a child is unconscionable. For David and Cheryl Burroughs, it is the single event that completely upturned their lives. Their toddler son Matthew was brutally murdered in their home. David was convicted of the crime, and the couple divorced and went their separate ways. Five years later, Cheryl is remarried and expecting a child. Her life, it seems, is beginning to reset. David is in a much different state. He's spent the last five years confined to his prison cell, all the while professing his innocence. For the entirety of his imprisonment, David has refused any visitors. Even his closest family members have stopped trying to see him. It is unusual then that Cheryl's sister Rachel would be at the jail today. Even more unusual, perhaps, is her persistence to visit David. 

David begrudgingly agrees to see Rachel, curious about why after all this time she would want to speak to him. He couldn't be prepared for the bombshell she is about to reveal. Rachel, a recently disgraced journalist, comes to David with a photograph of a child at a theme park. The child appears to be around eight years old, the exact age his deceased son would have been if he had survived. More startling, the boy is the spitting image of Matthew, a perfect match down to every detail, even the birthmark on his face. Could this truly be Matthew? David and Rachel are both convinced. The only question now is what should they do next. 

I Will Find You left me wondering why it took me so look to read anything by Harlan Coben. The story of a father wrongfully convicted of killing his son and being given a second chance at justice hooked my intrigue from the very first chapter. Yes, the believability around the specifics of the plot is pushed far beyond any sense of plausibility, but I didn't care. This is the kind of escapism thriller that I'm able to get lost in and just enjoy the ride. Think of this book as you would a crowd-pleasing summer action movie. You'll root for the main characters, be annoyed by the people against them, and cheer as the inevitable ending eventually arises. There's nothing mind-blowing about it, but you can't deny the entertainment factor. Sometimes, that is the exact kind of read that I need. I thoroughly enjoyed this one from start to finish, and can't wait to dive into more of Harlan Coben's books. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 21)