Famed defense attorney Hester Crimstein becomes concerned when her grandson reaches out to her about a missing classmate. Naomi Pine has disappeared and no one seems to be looking for her. Hester then goes to a man named Wilde for help who has an extraordinary story of his own. Over thirty years ago, he was found in the woods near her home, apparently living there for quite some time. He was only about six or seven years old and didn’t remember his name or how he got there but had established a relationship with Hester’s late son, David. As Wilde probes into the situation, he finds himself drawn to the plight of a young girl who was subjected to bullying and neglect. But, in the process, he also lands himself in the middle of some adult intrigue that may or may not be connected.
I’m a long time fan of the author having finished his Myron Bolitar series and read many of his standalone titles. Hester’s name has appeared in a number of these books so I was beyond excited to see her be a main focus in this book. She opens the story in quintessential Hester style, which hooked me immediately. She’s as witty and funny as I’d imagined her with an equally sharp mind.
While the story tackles a number of issues, including a subtle connection to today’s political environment, it wasn’t overwhelming as they were expertly threaded together, even those seemingly disconnected storylines. Wilde is an enigma who I’m not sure I ever really figured out but I hold him in the same high esteem as Myron Bolitar. I loved the connections to other books, just little things that won’t confuse those unfamiliar with them but will give “aha!” moments to those of us with that history. Steven Weber gave another great performance, especially with his definition of Hester. I only listen to Coben’s books these days because he’s narrating them. This story had everything I was looking for…twisty moves, humor, complicated characters and a gnarly mystery. And, he left the door open for a possible follow up, right? One can hope.
Book Info
- Release Date: March 17, 2020
- Narrator: Steven Weber
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 8 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Wonderful review Jo! I can’t wait to get to this one! 💜
Thank you, Suz💜 I hope you love it!
I do have to pick up something by him soon. Wonderful review and another possible series for you!
Thank you, Marialyce💜 I highly recommend you give Harlan a try. Love his stories.
Great review, Jo! 💜 I haven’t read anything by Harlan Coben- time to change it!
Thanks, Toni💜 If you’re interested, check out the books on my shelf by him on Goodreads. Love him!
I enjoyed your review, Jonetta 💚I really enjoyed this audio too.
Thank you, Cathy💜 Oh, I’m glad you enjoyed the audio, too!
I used to LOVE this author but then I kind of stopped reading his books – I must pick some up again. Great review.
Thanks, Jules💜 He’s one of my auto reads and I’m still trying read more of his backlist.
I’ve seen this book on many tbrs but haven’t added it to mine yet. It will be my first book by this author, and I’m still a newbie when it comes to thriller/mysteries. I’m also part chicken 🐣 – so I’m hesitant. I tried Karin Slaughter’s The Good Daughter and had to put it down 🙈
Oh, this one will be perfect! Nothing highly scary or graphic…lots of irony. Go for it💜
added it to my tbr
Great review! I wonder if it would be okay to have this one as my first Coben book! xx
Thanks, Meggy💜 Most definitely! Hester showed up in previous books but only as a very minor character, pretty much just being named the defense attorney. So, you wouldn’t be missing any background.
How fun that he narrates his audios, Jonetta! I didn’t know that and now I definitely want to listen to some. I’ve only read Run Away so far and want to read/listen to more. Wonderful review!
Thank you, Jennifer💜
Oh, no! Steven Weber narrates his audiobooks. Coben narrated one of his Myron Bolitar books when the original narrator retired and he was just awful🤣 Then he brought on Weber. Sorry that was phrased so confusingly.
I love this author too. I’ve read all the Myron books but need to read more of his stand alones. I own a couple on audio which Luke Daniels narrated so I’m excited about those. Fantastic review!
Anne – Books of My Heart
I absolutely love Myron and went Coben went on a long hiatus from the series, i was forced to try out his standalones and couldn’t read enough of them. I’m still working on his backlist but am keeping up with new releases.
I’ve only read a couple of Coben’s books so far but I really enjoyed what I read. This one sounds amazing!
Suzanne, it’s classic Coben and I loved it.
Fab review! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this one too… And I wouldn’t mind a sequel either! 😉
Thank you, Yvo💜 You know what I’m talking about, right?
Great review Jo. I had read mixed reviews of this one, so wasn’t rushing to find it yet. I will see if I can find the audiobook though. I have not listened to any of Coben’s books, but might give this one a try.
Thank you, Carla💜 I’ve listened to just about all of his books read I’ve read to date. He, too, tends to use good narrators.