Member Reviews
Myron Bolitar returns at long last. Ably assisted by Win and the usual cast of characters, he becomes involved in a perplexing case. A serial killer is apparently setting up different people to take responsibility for their kills. Every one is perfectly framed with DNA or other compelling evidence.
And the prime suspect for one murder is Greg Downing - Marlon's long time rival and client. Just one problem: Greg is long dead.
This is a novel of immense scope as Marlon and Wyn cross the US to investigate. There are the usual cunning plans, close calls and plenty of dark humour. And the final confrontation in Central Park will be life changing. Think Twice is a fine read, keeping the reader engaged throughout and with so many twists that it is almost impossible to see the ending coming.
It's been eight years since the last Myron Bolitar novel and three years since 'Win' featuring his partner Windsor Horne Lockwood III (as the author tells us in every novel when discussing the MB Agency, there's a lot to be said for well thought out names). Think Twice, the 12th in the main series, addresses that time does not stand still - even for fictional series characters: the pair are getting older: and if middle age isn't breaking down the doors, it's tapping at the window.
It was the Myron Bolitar series rather than the stand alone novels that originally drew me into Harlan Coben's writing and I was so pleased to see a return to the world: Coben's always been keen on building his own meta verse with characters from this series popping up or referenced in the stand alones, but to have a full on Myron book back on the slate? Bring it on.
If you've read any of the series you'll know what to expect to a degree: brief recaps throughout about Myron's basketball career, Win's wealth, secondary characters like Esperanza and Big Cin and their FLOW not BLOW wrestling experience (recycling dad jokes is a thing in the Bolitar series, as much as asides to the reader and quips that seem more 'middle aged status' than the characters)
There does feel as if there are some changes in this book - and not just the characters' ageing process. I can't remember another Bolitar novel with a second-person point of view for an antagonist which lent a slight James Patterson feel to the killer interludes. And that's what we have here: a serial killer premise - again, not a common Bolitar theme and Coben comes at it from a very interesting angle which I won't risk spoilers in describing any further other than to say it's as twisty/ contorted as you would expect from the author.
The joy in the Bolitar books has always been the Myron/ Win relationship for me and as much as I looked forward to the Win novel I think he works best in this environment. The play off between the two is a thing of comfort and trust: between them and for the reader, and it's clearly something the author is enjoying returning to: the slightly meta feel of fourth wall addresses to the reader are more present than ever - So Myron and Wi will start a conversation and say "Is this the bit where I say x and then you say Y and then we do Z and then...' - your own milage on this may vary as to how much you enjoy it. Similarly, whether you find the author's recaps/ repeats of previous 'bits' and mini guides on elements of New York and cultural references (Batman in particular here) will affect your enjoyment of the book to some degree. Coben is experienced and relaxed enough that some of the traditional writing rules go out the window: he takes the show don't tell rule and turns it on its head: but through that fourth wall breaking somehow makes it work.
The series has always had a deep vein of sentiment in it: as the characters get older it's more in view here than ever before: again, no spoilers but family and friends all manage to bring more tears to Myron's eye in this one than I've read before.
The bottom line is that if you know the series you'll have a good idea what to expect.
Right up until you won't.
A welcome return.
Great to reconnect with Myron and Win ,Esperanza and Big Cindi,what a team. Intricate and intriguing story with many twists ,another great read.
After eight years, Myron Bolitar is back! A serial killer is traversing America, framing those with a grudge for attacks on people who have wronged them. When the DNA of one of Myron's clients is found at the scene, he becomes the prime suspect in the case but there is just one problem - he's been dead for three years.
With the help of his best friend Win, it is down to Myron to find out how it is possible for a dead man to return, and the case may just be their last.
I was very excited to see that there was another Myron book after such a long time and it lived up to my hopes! An easy 5* book for me.
Harlan Coben's "Think Twice" sees the very welcome return of Myron Bolitar, sidekick and best friend Win and all the old favourites from probably his most popular series.
Now middle-aged and back in the sports agent business,Myron is surprised when 2 FBI agents quiz him about former client Greg Downing ,one of many people he's had a complicated relationship with over the years. Mostly he's surprised as the Feds apparently have DNA evidence linking Downing to a recent murder...........some 3 years after Myron gave the eulogy at his funeral. Under pressure Myron ,aided and abetted by Win, investigates and finds the situation a whole lot more complex than it first appears with his equally complex past relationships making for a heady mix of intrigue and danger.
This is a long overdue addition to a great series that follows on from various plot lines from the previous books but there are plenty of brief "backstory" sections throughout for the benefit of new readers,or even those whose memory needs jogging as the previous Bolitar book was published 8 years previously to this one.
Myron and Win have aged,as have many of their jokes,which are often funny through being painfully unfunny if that makes sense, something that affects Myron mostly,Win is still a lethal,suave ,one man demolition squad.
A great story that is massively entertaining and will keep readers on their toes with plenty of ,"I didn't see that coming", moments.
Lovely to see Myron and Win back in this latest book by Harlan Coben, "Think Twice". A complicated but enjoyable plot. There were a few moments when I thought we might be losing a very dear character or two. Like many of his other books, I think this will make an excellent drama series or film.
I feel like I've been waiting for the return of Myron Bolitar for decades... but it was so worth the wait. It felt like reacquainting myself with long lost relatives and was such a thrill to reconnect with Esperanza, Win, Big Cyndi and Myron's brilliant parents again.
Of course the star of this shoe is Myron and in this investigation which is rather too close to home for Myron we see the steadfast, strong and empathetic character so many of us have come to love.
Filled with dark scrapes, twists and turns, I read this so quickly and then kicked myself because I wanted more.
Excellent addition to the series and good to see the characters aging and reflecting on their pasts.
Think Twice is another stunning thriller with the wonderful characters of Win and Myron.
People are being murdered and substantial evidence left by the killer is making each case open and shut for the police. A recent murder with substantial DNA found links an old rival and client of Myron to one of the murders. But the suspect Greg Downing is supposedly dead, Myron having attended his funeral and had given the eulogy. Myron and Win start investigating into Greg revealing all manner of things.
Set at a cracking pace this is a page turning thriller with eye popping moments and also humour with the usual great banter between Myron and Win.
The ending absolutely blindsided me, it was so draw dropping that I didn’t see it coming , absolutely brilliant. This author continues to astound with the way he sucks you into the action.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Jeez. Like most fans of the author, when you get your hands on the newest installment then you just chuck whatever book you were in the middle of reading to the side and get stuck in.
As always, I expected nothing short of perfection. As always, this was delivered. And so much more. Theres humour, the much loved familiar characters, twists and turns. It amazes me that there is still backstory were learning after all these adventures and the characters are always getting new layers added and developing as people.
The plot is sheer genius, I honestly don't know how he comes up with these things. When you think you've got it figured out, nope! You're wrong.
I read it in one sitting and just avoided cooking dinner or doing any other chores. I have no regrets. It's now 1am and I'm sitting crying over a book. I think we all know what to expect by now from the author but one thing that did make this book, possibly my favourite ever, is the way he portrays family, that love, those bonds, you can't help but feel that on such a human level.
Read it. As soon as you get the chance. Ps..... I always think the books are even better than the netflix series and they themselves are amazing so that's saying something. My heart is in bits, what a ride! Now I'm gutted I have to wait for the next book
I didn't put it down until I had finished. Thrilling and enjoyable. And obviously gripping, I always read every book by Harlan Coben, and this author never disappoints. Highly recommended.
I'd read a couple of serious books lately , and felt what I needed was this, Myron, and all his friends and family.
I wasn't wrong, within the first few pages I was smiling, at the banter, not the dead bodies.
Then there's Win, who I think is the best, always happy to see him and hear "Articulate"
All in all, it was a fun read.
A fun read that took a dark turn, and now I don't think I'm OK, and I may need time to recover.
Clever and thrilling and surprising....I read it in one sitting.
I'm off to have a lie down now and try calm down....