Member Reviews
A long time ago, when I wasn’t reading much crime fiction, one author that I read was Harlan Coben, specifically the Myron Bolitar series. They were books that were strong thrillers with a good strand of mystery woven through them. It’s been a good while since I’ve revisited the series – I’ve read a fair few of Coben’s standalones – and I was a bit concerned when I discovered that his latest book was a return to Myron for the first time in eight years.
There were two reasons for that concern. Firstly, as elements of the story draw on Myron’s personal history, I was concerned that I would be missing something, some emotional oomph that long-term readers would get. That isn’t the case at all – Coben gives us everything we need to know, but in a perfectly natural way. There’s nothing that feels like an exposition dump, despite the number of characters who have appeared in the series before.
My second concern was that recently we did revisit Myron’s world, if only tangentially, in Win, a story that focussed on (and was narrated by) Myron’s partner Win. That book was a magnificent piece of work, and I was worried that I’d miss Win’s distinctive voice. Thankfully, Win has a decent role in this one, and he does get to narrate a few chapters.
So, those concerns turned out to be nonsense, as I had assumed they probably would be. Let’s take a look at this book.
Wow.
It’s really hard to say much about the book’s plot without spoiling the many twists and turns, so, well, I won’t. Coben is famous for his plot twists, but here, the plot swerves all over the place in completely unexpected directions. There are a couple of points where I thought something had been overlooked or there was a plot hole, only for the fact that it have been overlooked was a crucial plot point. It’s a masterpiece of plot construction – there were moments when I thought that the plot could never be tied up satisfactorily, but you should always have faith in Harlan Coben.
The final sections of the book gave me my favourite reading experience – the dichotomy of not wanting to put the book down and also of not wanting it to finish. As Coben cranked the tension up to eleven, I was putting the book down, pacing up and down, picking it up, reading a little bit more – repeat that several times and you’ll get the idea.
All in all, as you may be able to tell, this is one of the best thrillers that I’ve read in a long time. Whether you’re up to date with Myron or you’ve never met him before, you don’t want to miss this one.
A return to fan favourites Myron Bolitar and Win Lockwood in a sleek murder mystery. One of Myron's former clients becomes the FBI's main suspect in a double murder despite being dead for three years. Hang on tight for a terrific twisty tale.
This was a very complicated murder/mystery which kept me totally absorbed, with lots of characters and non stop action. The tension builds fast towards the conclusion, which was amazing and brought everything together.
Wow. This got me on the first page. This is actually the first Harlan Coben I have read ( not my usual genre) but it certainly won’t be my last. This 100% needs to be made into a series, which I will binge watch in 1 day! Fantastic plot, perfect pacing, gripping and totally unexpected ending!
Great to see these characters back, it’s like visiting old friends.
Harlen Cobden delivers his usual twists and turns, making you guess to the end…. Love you his book
Great read, great page turner, can’t wait to see what comes next
When the FBI tells sports agent Myron Bolitar that a former client's DNA has been found during a murder investigation, he becomes determined to uncover the truth because the client in question died three years ago.
Think Twice is an outstanding book that I couldn't put down.
When I read that Harlan Coben said "no one's going to figure out" who the killer is in this book, it really intrigued me. Of course he was right and I had no idea whatsoever. I love a mystery and this ticked all the boxes for me. It was addictive and despite not being able to work out what was going on until it was all revealed, I enjoyed the journey that it took me on.
I actually hadn't realised that this was the twelfth book in a series and it easily works as a standalone novel. The characters were brilliant, I instantly connected with them and felt invested in their stories. The relationship between Myron and his friend Win is one of the best I have come across in a book.
This was so good that as soon as I finished reading, I downloaded another Harlan Coben book to get stuck into (it was also excellent) because I enjoyed his writing so much.
Thank you Random House UK for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Harlan Coben’s “Think Twice” delivers an electrifying addition to the Myron Bolitar series, weaving a masterful tale of suspense and intrigue.
Myron is thrust into a complex mystery when his former client, Greg Downing, becomes the prime suspect in a murder despite being dead for three years. The plot intensifies as Myron and his friend Win delve deeper, uncovering a tangled web of secrets, lies, and a shocking conspiracy.
Coben’s knack for hooking me from the start is on full display, with the fast-paced narrative and relentless twists keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The return of mobsters and mayhem makes this one of Myron’s most intriguing adventures. Coben’s storytelling prowess ensures that “Think Twice” is not just a thriller but an unforgettable rollercoaster ride.
It can be read as a stand-alone but I always recommend reading his past books because it always helps knowing the characters and settings the bar for great storytelling where the author never disappoints.
Very grateful to the publisher for this copy, opinions are my own
Waited a while for a Myron and Win story line, so pleased to see them back again. As ever with Haran Coben another great read with lots of miss direction, and many twists and turns with the usual banter between all the main characters. This is yet another page turner that keeps you guessing to the end. Highly recommended, looking forward to the next instalment.
This series is like visiting old friends. Win and Myron bring much humour to the stories which brings light relief. They do not agree on everything which brings depth to the series - they have different moral codes.
Their latest story involves them because the FBI are looking for a man they think is responsible for murder - the trouble is that Myron believes this man is dead, has been to his memorial. And so the plot begins and thickens quickly.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Harlen Coben/Random House UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
First off I have to put my hands up and admit this is the first in the Myron Bolitar series I have read so whilst my review may annoy some for the fact I'm reviewing a series I had not touched on before, I can only go by what I have read in front of me!
Right, here goes.... it wasn't for me. Yes, maybe if I'd have read the previous installments it might change my opinion but I find it unlikely as I didn't enjoy the writing style in this book. I've pretty much loved all of the previous books I've read by this author, unfortunately this is not one 9f those.
I found the first half really slow going but then the second half felt as if it was all being crammed in with not enough space to take it all.
There were alot of twists and turns which kept me reading but I did find my mind wndering at points trying to figure out what the hell was going on.
Sadly not for me.
2.5⭐
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC.
Oh how much I love Win and Myron, their friendship is written in such a beautiful way and they complement each other. The plot here, as you would expect, is amazingly twisty and full of surprises. Harlan Coban is one of the top authors for a reason. If you’ve never read him before, please do. The books don’t have to be read in order, but have more of an impact if you do. Warning lol, if this is your first Win and Myron, be prepared to download the whole series of previous books. As always a five star read.
Absolutely brilliant, pacey, twisty, only watched Harlan coben on Netflix previously but this didn’t disappoint . Liked how all the ends tied up but were still surprises. Author captured all emotions in this book, I even shed a tear.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for advanced review copy.
I hadn't realised this was part of a series. I think it can be read as a stand alone, but would be better if you had read the rest of the series. The author does give some background, however found myself getting a little confused from time to time.
This is my first book by this author, although it was a little slow to start it soon sped up and I really enjoyed it. The characters felt well thought out and it has made me want to read the other books in the series.
Would definitely recommend this and appreciate the chance to have read it.
Another great story from Harlan who never fails to disappoint. I love his books and found this one just as good as his others. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
As always Coben provides an enjoyable read. Having read most of the Myron/Win books, I think this should be read as part of the series rather than stand alone. Coben does, however, give background information about the characters, sometimes twice. The plot is convoluted and I did not guess the final twist. Although superior to most crime fiction, I felt it lacked the spark and tongue in cheek humour of previous books.
It is possible that some readers may be able to follow this story without having read the previous instalments in this series. However, I reckon you won't feel it with the same excitement. The last few chapters were heart-stopping, as always in Coben's work, but in this novel they are written to keep the reader engaged with the characters until the action is resolved. For these chapters alone I give it four stars. Trying to be objective, this time the plot gets too convoluted and the resolution requires more of a leap of faith on the part of the reader.
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House UK and Cornerstone for providing me with a digital copy for review.
Es posible que algunos lectores puedan seguir esta historia sin haber leído las entregas anteriores de esta serie. Sin embargo, considero que no lo sentirás con la misma emoción. Los últimos capítulos fueron de infarto, como siempre en la obra de Coben, pero en esta novela están escritos para que el lector comprometido con los personajes deje de respirar hasta que se resuelva la acción. Solo por estos capítulos le doy las cuatro estrellas. Intentando ser objetiva, esta vez la trama se embrolla demasiado y la resolución requiere más de un acto de fe por parte del lector" Gracias a NetGalley, Random House UK y a Cornerstone por facilitarme una copia digital para su reseña.
Book 12 in the Myron Bolitar Series and another blockbuster of a thriller. I didn’t want to put the book down so this ended up as a one sitting read! Myron Bolitar is a football player who was injured playing and is now running his own company in New Jersey. His life is turned upside down when he receives a visit from the FBI. They are looking for his client and former team mate Greg Downing in connection with a murder. However Greg died 3 years previously! Works well as a stand-alone but why would you? It’s a great series.
Briefly, Greg’s DNA was found at the scene so clearly something is amiss. Myron, along with his friend Win Lockwood decide to dig deeper and very quickly discover that Greg is linked to another murder, again through DNA trace. There also appear to be other murders with similar set ups so is Greg actually alive and responsible or is it a set up by someone else?
With an hilarious and eclectic list of characters this is such an enjoyable and entertaining read. Yes there is death, yes there is violence but the overriding sense is of the most wonderful narrative. The plot is fast, the characters are great, the twists and turns fooled me and the ending is shocking. What’s not to like. Brilliant read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for my copy of Think Twice by Harlon Coben.
Greg Downing has been dead for 3 years, so why are the police asking about him. Why is he a suspect in a murder case.
Myron Bolitar and his friend Win start to look into things and that’s when things go bad very quickly.
So many twists!!!
Great to have Myron and Win back together.
This book means business. I was sucked into it quickly and couldn’t put it down. I found this Harlan Coben book an effortless read and whilst describing the glamour of living a rich life it also shows even if you’ve got money and fame that isn’t everything.
Although I haven’t read the other Myron Bolitar books I kept up with who was who and will definitely reading more in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cornerstone, Penguin Random House UK for the opportunity to read an advance copy in return for my honest review. #ThinkTwice #NetGalley
Myron Bolitar has just been told his client and former rival is the main suspect in a murder. The strange thing is the man has been dead for three years.
The trouble is the man in question Greg Downing has left his DNA at the scene.
Could he actually be alive all this time?
The more Myron and his close friends dig into the story the more twisted it becomes.
From mobsters to mayhem, this soon becomes the most traumatic event in Myron’s life and the aftermath will be something that will shock everyone’s world and change their lives forever.
Simply put, no one writes like Harlan Coben.
He is incredible at hooking the reader in from the very start and twisting their minds until the finale.
Think Twice is one of the best books he’s ever written, this really is the ultimate rollercoaster ride and I absolutely loved it.
Don’t miss out it’s incredible.