Simon Green is a successful financial manager, married to a successful doctor and father to their three children. Life was pretty good for them until their oldest daughter went away to college, met a boy and spiraled downward. She eventually ran away and they’d given up looking for her. Except Simon really hadn’t and when one day he sees her in Central Park, he goes after her and things get out of control. What happens after that moment leads him and his family down paths they’d never expected to ever experience.
Howard Coben became an auto read (and listen) for me years ago and this book is a perfect example as to why. No one can nimbly set a stage like he does, not wasting a lot of time with meaningless details but building a foundation for what’s to come, like the calm before a vicious storm. I started this book thinking I’d listen for an hour and then kept extending it. Next thing I knew, I was almost finished. So much goes on in Simon’s effort to find his daughter, the murky characters he encounters, the dangerous situations he finds himself in and the secrets he exposes along the way. There’s much more going on and he’s just a normal guy driven by a love for his child.
Obviously, I enjoyed this story as well as Steve Weber’s performance. I love that he’s narrating so many of the standalones as well as my beloved Myron Bolitar series. He just gets the characters and creates a vivid image for you with outstanding storytelling. This is a classic Coben story with all the elements you expect to see but around a unique story. I guessed one of the twists but missed a couple of others. The ending was provocative and though provoking, just how I like them to be. You don’t want to miss this one.
Book Info
- Release Date: March 19, 2019
- Narrator: Steven Weber
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 20 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Listen to a Sample
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(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
So glad you enjoyed this one! One of Harlan’s strengths is always ending a chapter in such a way that you just have to keep going to know what’s next.
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You’re so right about that, Eva! I finished this in 24 hours.
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I suppose that’s why he has this big deal with Netflix now. His books are perfect for that binge-watch channel.
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He’s already had two movies developed for Netflix to date!
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Harlan has always been my fav but I didn’t like a couple of his recent books hence I wasn’t sure about this. Thank you so much.. I will get this
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Shalini, I liked The Stranger until I got to the end. This one is different and highly entertaining. I hope you do give it a shot.
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I will… I am excited since you said there are good twists
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This was my first book by this author, and i really enjoyed it. Like you said, stuff started happening right away! I really liked all the characters as well, so i’m defo gonna try more of his books 🙂
Great review!
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Thanks, Norrie! I’ve read him for years and love most of his backlist. Let me know if you’re interested in recommendations.
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Really enjoyed this one…and will get to the Myron Bolitar series at some point.
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I listened to that series and love it! They’re fairly quick reads/listens. Most of the audiobooks are 7 hours or less.
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That’s good to know 🙂
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I put this book on hold at the library. Glad to read your super review of it, Jonetta.
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Thanks, Marialyce! Enjoy💜
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I haven’t read anything from this author, but now, I’m seriously thinking about getting this one. Especially as both you and Norrie really liked it. I think it’s time to see what I’m missing out on (if anything!) 😉
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His wry humor comes out in his characters, especially in his series. I listened to that before branching out to his standalones. Now I read everything.
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Will be taking the plunge then. 😀
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Great review! I can’t wait to read this one.
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Thanks, Yvo!
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Oh he is one of my favorites! I am so happy to hear this is good! Going to need to squeeze it in alongside my Michael Connelly!
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Most definitely!
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Lovely review, Jonetta! I adored this one, too! My first from him!
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Thanks, Jennifer! You’re going to love reading his backlist.
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I love Harlen Coben and he has been an auto-buy for me too. I have bought this one but haven’t read it yet. I really want to dive into it. Great review!
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Thanks, Brenda! Yay, another Coben fan💜
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Fantastic review I really want to read this one.
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Thanks, Nicki! Clear the decks when you start because you won’t find a good pause point.
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Brilliant I love books like that!
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I just finished reading this one Jonetta. I enjoyed it but not as much as some of his others. Nice review, I agree with your thoughts completely.
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Thanks, Carla💜 It’s not my favorite but I just couldn’t put it down!
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I agree.
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