Home- by Harlan Coben- Feature and Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Ten years after the high-profile kidnapping of two young boys, only one returns home in Harlan Coben’s next gripping thriller, to be published in September 2016.

A decade ago, kidnappers grabbed two boys from wealthy families and demanded ransom, then went silent. No trace of the boys ever surfaced. For ten years their families have been left with nothing but painful memories and a quiet desperation for the day that has finally, miraculously arrived: Myron Bolitar and his friend Win believe they have located one of the boys, now a teenager. Where has he been for ten years, and what does he know about the day, more than half a life ago, when he was taken? And most critically: What can he tell Myron and Win about the fate of his missing friend? Drawing on his singular talent, Harlan Coben delivers an explosive and deeply moving thriller about friendship, family, and the meaning of home.







READ A SAMPLE:





MY REVIEW:

Home by Harlan Coben
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Home by Harlan Coben is a 2016 Dutton publication.

Get ready for one of my rare gushing reviews!

Wow! Just… Wow! This may be the best Myron Bolitar mystery ever.

A year has passed since Myron has seen Win. So, when out of the blue, Win phones from London asking for help, Myron drops everything to help his old friend.

This should be your first clue that things are slightly different now, because, when has Win ever asked for help? Never. But, this situation is personal.

Ten years ago, Win’s nephew, Rhys, and his friend, Patrick, were kidnapped. Win receives an email suggesting Patrick has been spotted, so he takes the bait. Sure enough, a teenage boy who bears a striking resemblance to Patrick appears to be a street hustler. But before Win can grab him, a confrontation with some real baddies, sends the kid running. Is this really Patrick? If so, where is Rhys?


The thing that grabbed my attention right away was Win’s voice! Yes, he articulates, actually narrating whole chapters.

I was also pleased to see the whole gang was back, including Esperanza and Big Cindi, as well as Myron’s parents and the gang from the Mickey Bolitar series, which is pretty cool, and has me thinking about giving that series a try someday, although I’m not usually one for YA novels.


The banter between Win and Myron is as sharp as ever, with that trademark humor offsetting the darker edges of the novel.

The story explores that fuzzy realm of missing and exploited children, the return of a child that had been gone for a decade and the trauma they may have endured while they were gone, as well as the agonizing pain the parents have endured, never knowing if their child is alive out there somewhere or dead. The hope mixed with dread they lived with every day for a decade, and having to relive the nightmare all over again, in hopes of locating their child.

The mystery centers around Patrick, and what he may or may not know about his still missing friend, and whether or not he is who he claims to be. The drama and suspense is thick with tension, and had me absolutely riveted.



But, if you are a fan of Coben’s you should know there will be a stunning and shocking twist somewhere along the way, and should prepare for it. But, despite knowing this, I was literally taken off guard by it when it came. It was a ‘ betcha’ didn’t see THAT coming’ moment, and I was totally gobsmacked by it. I got chills! This is why I read books by Harlan Coben!!



But, just when you thought it was safe….

The ending blindsided me, and left me with my mouth hanging open! OMG!! No freaking way!! The best moment in this series to date, hands down.



This book is an absolute must for fans of this series and the author! I promise you will not be disappointed! Highly recommend!

https://www.amazon.com/Home-Harlan-Coben-ebook/dp/B01COJUGOE/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/home-harlan-coben/1123498162


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With over 60 million books in print worldwide, Harlan Coben’s last seven consecutive novels, MISSING YOU, SIX YEARS, STAY CLOSE, LIVE WIRE, CAUGHT, LONG LOST and HOLD TIGHT all debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and lists around the world. His books are published in 43 languages around the globe.

Coben is the winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award – the first author to win all three – and he has received an eclectic variety of honors from all over the world. His novel TELL NO ONE has been turned into a hit French film of the same name. His essays and columns have appeared in many top publications. 

Harlan was born in Newark, New Jersey. He still lives in New Jersey with his wife, Anne Armstrong-Coben MD, a pediatrician, and their four children.