This is the first Harlan Coben book I have read and I am ashamed that it has taken me this long to pick up one of his books.

This is a rollercoaster of a book and I had no idea where the twist and turns were taking me.

We were taken through Myron Bolitar's investigation of a serial killer whose victims seem to have no connection. When a friend/enemy name appears on the list of suspects the investigation ramps up.

Surprisingly this is the first Harlan Coben I've ever read. And I appear to have joined in a long running series. The good news is that apart from losing the plot of who is related to who on occasion you don't need to have read the other books to follow the story.

The plot involves Myron Bolitar and Win Lockwood in their endeavours to find out how Myron's ex team mate has come back from the dead to murder a woman and her son. You'd say its impossible but this is Coben at his best.

I can't say the plot made perfect sense to me but I've watched several adaptations and am usually thoroughly bewildered halfway through.

Thankfully it all begins to make sense in the second half of the book and even though (as usual) I got everything wrong I could understand what happened. Thankfully Myron and Win are better at detection than me.

There are lots of strange twists and turns but nothing crazy. Myron and Win are both likeable characters do I enjoyed their thrust and parry relationship. You're also treated to small glimpses of their pasts in the form of ex-wives, sons and flamboyant staff who make the whole book really enjoyable.

It was a clever take on the usual murder mystery/thriller and I'd definitely read more - maybe even start at the beginning. However, as I said, it us possible to read and enjoy this novel as a stand alone.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the advance review copy.

I enjoy the Myron series and this book delivers on all counts. Plenty of twist and turns mixed in with a bit of angst what is not to like. Amazing characters. Well written and a great ending. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

This novel is a good read. A page-turner full of twists. The reader is taken on a riveting journey with the main characters. Brilliant ending.

What an excellent read!

Harlan Coben never disappoints, and this was definitely one of my favorite reads by him!

Myron Bolitar assumed the solemn responsibility of delivering the eulogy at Greg Downing's funeral. Their paths crossed during their youthful days as aspiring basketball stars, and while their relationship was marked by intense rivalry and animosity, they eventually found a way to reconcile and move past their differences in their later years.

Unexpectedly, two FBI agents arrive and inform Myron and his close friend Win that Greg is not only alive but also implicated as a suspect in a double murder case. This revelation ignites an irresistible curiosity within the duo, drawing them into a complex and perilous investigation. As they delve deeper, they discover the presence of a cunning serial killer who seems to be orchestrating a series of baffling crimes.

Will Myron and Win be able to unravel this intricate web of deception and bring the perpetrator to justice before it's too late? Because they are being closely watched by an unseen observer...

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

"We are our mistakes. Sometimes they are the best part of us."

Myron Bolitar and his friend and colleague Win Lockwood are stunned when the FBI walk into their offices and demand to know where Greg Downing, one of their former clients, is. The reason? Greg has been dead for three years. Myron even delivered he eulogy at his funeral. But, his DNA has been found at a recent double murder, so investigators believe he may have faked his death.

Myron and Win begin their own 'side' investigation, hoping to trace Greg and see if he is somehow still alive and living under the radar, and how they could help him if he needs it.

At the same time, a serial killer is on the loose, a very clever one who murders people and sets up others to take the fall for the crimes, planting DNA and weapons to ensure someone else goes down for their crimes. Is that what's happened to Greg?

This thriller is intriguing and has a decent pace. I finished it in a few hours. I like Myron as a main character although Win is way more interesting as a morally-grey anti-hero and I'd like to see more books with him as the lead. I'm not sure I liked how the ending/reveals played out. It was too neat. I can't say too much more without spoiling it but I think readers could have been given a few more clues so it doesn't feel like there's an information overload about the characters' secrets and who the killer is etc. all right at the end.

As always, a Harlen Coben book is pure entertainment and a perfect quick read.

I have not read any others in this series although this is book 12 however it reads well as a standalone and is a tense thriller. Taut and twisty, you may think that you have the perpetrator sussed and then the author throws lots of diversions to put doubt in your head - in other words I didn't fathom out who was the guilty party!! I loved his use of the occasional "erudite" words which brought some levity to a great tale. A solid 4 *

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.

It's been a while since I last read a Myron Bolitar book. In fact, it's been far too long. Discounting Home and Win, the last Myron book was released in 2011. I probably read it that year, which means it's been 13 years - 13 years since the last book featuring Myron and Win. I've growled every time a new release was announced from the author, wishing he'd not been 'wasting' his time (I know what he's been doing), writing standalone novels, and generally having every one of his titles made into a TV series. But, I fear I may have to take all that back. 13 years is too long, but in the interim, Harlan Coben has upped his game with this book. If I have to wait another 13 years for the next book (please let there be one), I will grumble and complain, but I will devour it when I get it (please).

To return to Think Twice. This begins as very much a 'typical' (from my memory), Myron book. Myron's past rears its head. The mystery is intriguing. We go to Vegas on Win's private jet. Win is there to protect our favourite Sports/Entertainment rep. There is sass. There is violence. There is Myron thinking he's doing the right thing. Win is not so sure. (We also see Big Cindi and Esperanza). Oh, and Myron's mum and dad have discovered edibles in their 80s:)

But just as the reader is relaxing into this very familiar, very comforting scenario (revisiting much-loved literary characters is a real treat), last read 13 years ago, something happens. We hit 40% through the novel, and the storyline veers to something else. (I don't want to give any spoilers here.) At 60%, we get another huge veer. At 80%, you can't put the book down until you reach the end, which is breathless and filled with peril until the last moments.

Our two main characters have been given somewhat updated viewpoints—particularly in regard to the female characters. This is done really well and doesn't rewrite what we've read before—it's a nod to the sea changes since Me-Too. It is a refreshing approach, and indeed, there are many little nods to events that have happened in the 'real world' as opposed to in the fictional world of Myron and Win.

This is a fabulous and much-delayed return to the world of Myron. By the time you turn the last page—or rather, turn your Kindle off—it is easily a 5-star read.

We need more Myron. Please.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy. I was going to buy it anyway. Indeed, I will buy it for my other half. This is about the only series we've ever both read, and that tells you a great deal about the kind of book this is. Thank you.

Before I started this book I was slightly put off by a minority of reviews implying that it’s best to read the earlier books in the series first.. However, I found this book stood on its own merit and I throughly enjoyed the read, in fact the book was excellent. Well written, absorbing and compelling story line with an intriguing ending. Having finished no 12 in the series I am now off to buy no 1.

Sadly I have to admit that this is the first book that I have read by Harlan Coban, I really enjoyed the story but, although the author had included snippets of background, I did feel myself wondering about previous events, I really should start at the beginning of the series.
Sports agent, Myron Bolitar and his wealthy friend Win Lockwood were speechless, the two FBI agents in their office wanted to know the whereabouts of former NBA basketball star, Greg Downing, they were adamant, Greg's DNA had been found on a murder victim, ghosts didn't commit murder and Greg had died three years ago, but DNA didn't lie, if by some miracle Greg was still alive Myron and Win needed to find him before the FBI.
Myron had also been an NBA star, he and Greg had been deadly rivals in more things than sport and it was due to Greg that Myron's career had been smashed after an "accident" had ended his playing days. Myron and Greg had come to an understanding, their lives were intrinsically involved, Myron had even read the eulogy at Greg's funeral.
As the body count began to escalate, Myron was even more worried, was Greg dead if not where was he ? if he didn't commit the murder how did his DNA get on the victim, how were the victims connected ? someone knew the answers but who ?
This is a very gripping, convoluted story that had me reading far into the night, it has great characters, many suspects, few clues, suspense, danger, fast action, twisted relationships and a great ending. Really enjoyable and left me wanting more.
Thank you to Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

I didn't realise this was part of a serious when I started reading it. It was a bit slow to start with and I struggled to get into it ( I probably should've read the previous books first). Overall a good thriller but not great

Wonderfully twisty thriller by Harlan Coben. The return of Myron and Win - drawn into investigating a series of murders when one of the suspected murderers turn out to be Myron's client who has been dead for years. Are the series of murders which have all been solved by DN evidence actuall contrived to hide the activities of a serial killer? Great pacing and all the twists and turns you expect from the master of the art.

This is a solid mystery thriller that I wish I had noticed was part of the Myron Bolotar series before requesting.

Full disclosure here, I was so excited to see this book that I didn’t realise it was a Myron story and having read some of the earlier Myron books, I wasn’t keen. Well, something has changed because I LOVED IT!

The bond and banter between Myron and Win is incomparable. There is nobody who has each other’s backs more than those two and the loyalty and love they share with their closest allies, like Esperanza and Big Cyndi is brilliant.

And so onto the story. The genius prologue had me immediately hooked; murder someone and frame someone else, who has motive - sounds easy enough! But when the person you framed is already dead, how can his DNA be at the scene? With that dead person being one of Myron’s clients and the FBI at his door asking questions, Myron and Win are drawn into something much bigger and more dangerous than they imagined.

A fantastic plot that kept me guessing right up to the explosive and completely unexpected ending. I was stunned! My heart was in my mouth and it left me reeling. Please don’t make us wait too long to find out what happens next!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Harlan Coben and Random House Cornerstone for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Thanks NetGalley for the advance copy.

I love Harlan Cobens books, always engagingly written and plots that you don’t want to put down, but I especially love Myron Bolitar and have read them all. A sports agent, Myron inevitably gets into a lot of sticky situations, in which he’s helped by the oddly amoral but clearly loyal Win. Win is a great character, rich, spoilt, complex, - this outing starts to show some of his isolation unravelling, adding to the interest in not just this book, but the series.

In this book, Myron’s old friend, client and rival Greg Downing, seems to have reappeared from the dead, and is now a murder suspect. Myron knows he is dead as he went to the funeral!

As usual it’s the FBI who inform Myron, they’re not his biggest fans and they smell a rat every time Myron is involved in one of their cases, so the hostile tone is set from the beginning.

It becomes clear that the murder implicating Greg is one of a series of murders across the country and Myron and Win are pulled into investigating who the murder is, and what has happened to Greg. Is he really still alive?

The exchanges between Myron and Win still crack along and while I guessed some of the ending, I certainly didn’t get it all! It’s an easy but unputdownable read that satisfies, leaving no questions unanswered. It was perhaps a twist too far?

This is probably not the best in the series and I do think there’s going to be a turn as the normally enigmatic Win starts to become more introspective. I look forward to that and in any event, minor criticisms here won’t put me off reading the next instalment!

Think Twice by Harlan Coben proves why he remains a titan in the thriller genre. This instalment sees the return of Myron Bolitar and his enigmatic friend Win Lockwood, thrust into an exhilarating adventure sparked by unsettling revelations about a supposedly deceased client, Greg Downing.

The book opens with a hostile FBI interview, immediately setting the tone for a story filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Coben masterfully pulls the reader into a complex web of deceit involving high-profile murders that appear linked to Downing. As Myron and Win dig deeper, supported by a colourful cast, including the indomitable Esperanza Diaz and the unforgettable Big Cyndi, the plot thickens into a delightfully puzzling jigsaw.

Coben's narrative is lively and brisk, maintaining a relentless pace that makes it hard to put the book down. The banter between Myron and Win is a highlight, striking a balance between wit and the occasionally overripe Camembert cheese of their exchanges. It's a dynamic that adds a layer of entertainment without detracting from the gravity of their investigation.

However, the story isn't without its faults. Some points are laboured a little too much, and the repetition can momentarily pull you out of the otherwise immersive experience. Despite this, the novel is a bona fide page-turner, culminating in a heart-stopping climax that satisfies both the heart and mind.

I am a fan of this author and in particular this series having read the whole series. it never disappoinose and the same is true of his other books.

The FBI interview Myron regarding the whereabouts of an arch nemesis from his professional basketball playing days Gregg Downing who later became a client of Myron as a sports agent. Gregg is wanted for murder. However, Gregg disappeared 5 years previously and died 3 years ago. Gregg's DNA was found at the scene of the murder. A bewildered, Myron and his trusted friend Win aim to find Gregg ahead of the FBI aided by Esperanza Diaz a former employee and partner now a qualified lawyer.

I love the ongoing characters in this series and the relationship between Myron and Win an odd couple given there different upbringing with Win being ridiculously wealthy which comes in handy with their investigations. The book is full of humour and rolls along nicely.

Although this is book 12 in the Myron Bolitar series it can be read as a Standalone but I will recommend the reader read the whole series to better understand the history and relationships. I highly recommend this book and this author.

thanks to NetGalley UK, and publishers Random House UK, Cornerstone, for an arc copy n return for an honest and unbiased review.

I didn't realise this book was part of a series and maybe that is why I struggled to get into it.
It is a very well-written and clever book but somewhat disappointing towards the end.

Another extremely clever book from Harlan Coben. A serial killer is on the loose but is framing innocent people with obvious evidence at each crime scene. These people end up in prison with their pleading of innocence falling on deaf ears. When the DNA of a dead man is found at a murder scene it is apparent something very strange is going on. Myron and Win set about trying to find answers in this fast paced story that weaves complex scenarios with things that are all too personal. Clever, witty and full of tension this is another masterpiece that has the reader guessing the perpetrator throughout and has a final satisfying twist.

My reading of the Bolitar series is a little all over the place. I’ve read the first 3 in order and then I’ve also read some random later ones and this is obviously the latest one to be released. Whilst it obviously makes more sense to read a series like this in order Coben does a good job of making sure the reader knows everything they need to for the story to make sense so it’s not the end of the world if you’re not all caught up.

I really enjoyed the case in this book. It had enough going on to keep me on my toes without it veering too much into “too far fetched” territory.

I did google a few bits to do with Myron’s personal life because I’ve obviously skipped a few books along the way and some things in his life have changed since the last one I read.

Coben’s writing is incredible as always and really keeps you on your toes. A couple of twists I did figure out but there were still some surprises along the way.

As a Springsteen fan and visitor to Asbury Park it was nice to see Asbury Park Gin get a little mention as well. I love how Coben weaves these little things in that wouldn’t mean much to a lot of people but it made me smile.

As always, Win is a special character all of his own and deals with things in his own way, which always keeps things interesting.

I don’t want to say too much and spoil it but if you’re a long time Coben fan you will definitely like this one. I had no complaints.