Member Reviews

I love reading books by Harlan Coben so I was very excited for this and it lived up to my expectations as the suspense and tension build up as secrets are revealed,

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Coben delivers another twisted plot full of deceit, lies and revelations that keeps the page turning into the middle of the night. The narrative voice of the protagonist creates a bond with you, as if you are in the office listening to the tale unfold. No whimsical tale or writing, pure fact and to the point penmanship that crafts a thrilling novel. A must read for 2024.

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Harlan Coben never misses. I’ve not ready any of the previous Myron/Win books before so this was a little different to the other books from Coben that I’ve read but equally enjoyable. The characters are interesting and I didn’t find you really had to have read any others although if you have I’m sure that there are some extra fun bits that stand out. The plot was excellent and the ending was unexpected. I will now go back and read the older books.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for a review.

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I received an ebook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A fun fact about me is that the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben is one of my favourite murder mystery/thriller series of all time and so you can guess how ecstatic I was when I found out that a new book in the series was coming out. I never really vibed with the Mickey Bolitar series and whilst I enjoyed 'Win', it was a bit Myron-lite so I've been starved of a good old Myron Bolitar book for almost 10 years now.

This book felt like reconnecting with an old friend. It had all of the characters we know and love, the banter was flowing, the jokes (whilst they are definitely just copy-pastes from previous books in the series) were classics and the mystery was twisty and gripping. I will say that this isn't my favourite book in the series. I still have a soft spot for the earlier books where each one was centred around a different sport and this one did get a little 'exposition dumping' at the end but it still felt like a classic, enjoyable Myron Bolitar mystery.

I think the reason I like this series so much is that it's the perfect mix of mystery and thriller. Whilst it's marketed as a thriller and it's definitely not 'cosy' by any means, it's got strong elements of a good old Agatha Christie novel in that Myron spends a lot of the book going around and talking to various characters to gather information and figure out the mystery. And while there's definitely violence and action scenes in these books, they aren't over the top or too graphic and don't take anything away from the main storyline.

I will say that throughout the book it was very much giving 'getting the gang back together' vibes and I was really hoping that this was going to set the scene for a full on re-boot of the Myron Bolitar series. However, no spoilers, but the ending kind of changed that, and while the door is definitely open for the possibility of more Myron books down the line, it felt like more of a set-up for the continuation of the 'Win' series. Which I'm not complaining about as anything that gets me more books in this universe is a win (lol) for me!

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I love this book - stunning, imaginative and heartbreaking as well.
It starts with a call - Myron talking to his mum when the FBI come calling and it spirals from there.
I don’t want to give too much away - if you love the Myron and Wyn series - you will love this one as well.
Thank you Harlan Coben and Century and Net Galley for an advance copy.
I am wondering if HC is working on a prequel to the series?

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I really enjoyed this, I've never read any previous myron and win books but will definitely go back and read some more,
Plenty of twists and turns I had no idea how this was going to turn out and was pleasantly surprised by the ending as I find that's what usually let's a book down.
5 stars from me

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Harlan never disappoints!

The weight of anticipation that he must feel when writing about two of his most beloved characters must be incredible yet Harlan knows exactly what he is doing.

Myron and Win are back. Their longtime friendship is continuing when a murder is brought to their attention - a former supermodel and her son have been found dead. The police and the FBI know exactly who the killer is, due to the sheer volume of evidence left behind including DNA. The DNA belonging to someone Myron knows well. Or should that be knew….as the last time Myron was near this person was at their funeral. Three years ago.

Is Greg still alive? And if so, why give himself up in such a way? And why would he fake his death?

I read this book in a day and I now feel like I need to go back and reread some of Harlan’s earlier books. Just a gripping, puzzling and ingenious tale.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review.

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The Myron Bolitar series got me into Harlen Coben but going back to it after so long I found him rather annoying, the constant sarcasm and explaining it was rather tedious. It put me off the book. I think I'll stick to his standalone books from now on.

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Myron and Win are back and, as soon as I started reading, I realised how badly I needed this in my life. It's been over 20 years since I discovered these characters, and I love them more than ever as we age and go grey together; it honestly feels like settling down with old friends and listening to them tell a story.
Myron gave a eulogy at the funeral of his old rival and client so, when he's approached years later and told that a dead man has been accused of murder, it kicks off an intensely personal, shocking and occasionally devastating series of events as Myron and Win pursue answers and unravel layers of secrets and lies.
This story is spectacular and left me feeling a little overwhelmed, shocked, sad, relieved and also left me with a lot of joy - it's a rapid, and often heartbreaking ride but there are parts that just make me smile and feel like everything will be OK in the end. Every person in Myron's life is touched by the fallout from unlocking pieces of this puzzle and every twist seems to lead to more.danger.
By the end of the book, I felt like I needed a Big Cindi hug, it has so much depth and I believe that is one of the things that sets Harlan Coben apart - his remarkable and unique gift for creating characters that imprint on our hearts, and a capacity to tell a story that stays with us long after we've closed the covers.

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As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - instead I recommend that you read this for yourself!

Having read all the previous Myron Bolitar novels, it was an absolute treat to return to his world! Even if you haven't read a single one of the earlier books, I feel there are enough references to the characters' back stories to allow you to enjoy it as a standalone.

The relationship between Myron and Win is - as usual - at the heart of this novel, along with a cast of known and previously unknown supporting characters. There's a bit more of a wistful feel to this book - Myron and Win start to acknowledge the passing of time, and whilst they are not "old", they are definitely older. Several references to the old Batman series brought back memories for me too! There's great banter from and between Myron's parents.

The plot is as twisty-turny as as you'd expect from the mighty Harlan Coben. I was thrown off track several times when I felt sure I'd identified the killer - only to be proved wrong!!

An out and out 5-star review from me - I stayed up VERY late reading this! I hope that the stories keep on coming...

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

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Oh my word…what a great read. A little different to Harlan Cobens usual style and absolutely loved it. He has a fine art of making you believe in characters, even the minor players, really quickly. Loved Win. Loved the plot. Fabulous ♥️

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WOW! If this isn't a book to brag about I don't know what is... I started it late last night. Never did I anticipate I would be closing the book at 3am left in complete shock... This book was insane! It was twisted, it was gripping but it was so darn good!

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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.

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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.

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Great to reconnect with Myron and Win ,Esperanza and Big Cindi,what a team. Intricate and intriguing story with many twists ,another great read.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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