Detective Napolean Dumas, known as "Nap", is stuck in the past. In his senior year in high school, a tragedy occurred. While he was out of town playing hockey one Friday night, his twin brother was killed by a train. Killed along with him was the police chief's daughter, Diana. It was unclear what happened and how the accident occurred. Nap's girlfriend, Maura, disappeared the same night. His first love, he was stunned to find her gone and her mother was of no help at all, just saying she had transferred to another school.

Now, fifteen years later, Nap has an okay life. He grew close to the police chief after their joint tragedy and ended up joining the police force himself. It's a sleepy little town and the job isn't that taxing. He still lives in his boyhood home; in fact, he still sleeps in the bedroom he shared with his brother Leo. Not much happens in his life, but when your stuck in the mud, nothing is okay.

Then he gets a call that changes everything. A policeman has been killed in another town and it turns out to be one of Leo's friends. Nap hadn't kept up with him and was vaguely aware he had also become a policeman, but when his police force was asked for help, he volunteers. He is shocked when he arrives and finds out there is evidence of someone else involved in the death, and that all signs point to it being Maura.

This is the first he has heard of Maura in all these years and he is determined to find her this time. As he investigates the death, things start to happen that indicate the logjam of silence is about to break about the past. Another friend from high school, a brilliant boy who went off the tracks and is now the town homeless crank, has gone missing. With the reluctant help of the police chief who just wants to forget the night he lost his daughter, Nap starts to put the pieces together to unearth the truth of what happened all those years ago.

Harlan Coben is one of the mystery genre's shining lights. A winner of the Edgar, Shamus and Anthony Awards, his books feature tight mysteries that make unseeable twists that leave the reader wanting more. He has written twenty novels in addition to a series about a detective. This was one of his standalone novels and readers will find the Coben magic in full force. This book is recommended for mystery readers.

Nap Dumas has never let go of the pain of losing his twin brother Leo. It has been 15 years since his death. His death has been mystery with plenty of high school conspiracy theories. Leo was killed along with his girlfriend Diana when his truck was struck by a train. Few days later Nap's girlfriend Maura disappeared without a word, living her mother behind. Nap now works with Diana's father Augie for the police department. Augie has been Nap's mentor after the death of Nap's own father shortly after his brother was killed. The past has now come back in full force when Nap is summoned by his boss after a hit on Maura's prints at a crime scene. It gets more complicated when execution type hit was done on a police officer who happens to be a friend of his dead brother Leo.

Nap can't let it go. He needs to find the answers. Answers of why his brother was killed on that lonely road. What did Maura know and how did she play into it. And what is the story about the conspiracy theories of the military base in town.

Nap makes for interesting character and he is the one that strings the reader along. The narration is unusual - Harlan Coben keeps it interesting for sure-but Nap is talking to his dead brother Leo. They are twins so they got that going but there was a disconnect in high school. Nap is full of contradictions and emotions. How he processes information. What he cares about. His loyalty to a few and why these certain people he has let in. What he doesn't care about is just as important on what he does care about. He swings from the left to the right and back again.

As he gets closer to the truth, he begins to realize can he handle the truth and most importantly will the truth set him free.

A special thank you to Penguin Group and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for this reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.

What is it with government secrets and groups of kids trying to expose them? When I was a teenager I could have cared less about government secrets, I was just trying to get through high school! It's just such a weird concept to me. I also think it's probably very unrealistic and only the stuff of entertainment (TV, movies, books). Regardless, I did like this title.

Nap's twin brother died their senior year of high school and life has been strange ever since. On the night of his brother's death he lost his best friend and his girlfriend who disappeared. Fast forward 12ish years and his girlfriend's DNA is found in a rental car at a murder scene. If he can track her down maybe he can finally get some answers about that night his brother died and she disappeared. Nap can't, he won't, let it go. He's got to know what happened. As he starts to uncover bits and pieces from that night, asking questions of people who were connected to his brother then, a secret club his brother belonged to comes to light. His brother, Leo, and a group of friends were obsessed and convinced the government was doing suspicious, and illegal, activities at an old abandoned compound right outside of town. Is it really possible that Leo didn't jump in front of that train himself but that he was pushed? Was a group of teenagers really such a threat that 12+ years later the government is trying to silence the rest of them for good?

I think about this story and I'm not sure why I liked it but I did. I was a little annoyed with the whole government secrecy thing - not that I don't think the government is doing stuff like described in this story, I 100% think they are, but because I find it unbelievable that it would take out a group of teenagers. Maybe I'm being naive. I liked Nap a lot. I liked the conversations he had with his brother in his commitment to finding answers and getting closure. I liked Coben's depiction of Nap and his work ethic, character, etc. The book read fast for me, it kept me engaged and I'm always going to like a book that can do that. It seems like Coban is an author I might like beyond this title so I'll add a few more of his books to my TBR and read some more of his work again in the future.

Nap Dumas is a detective in New Jersey when he gets the call that the fingerprints he put into the system on his first day on the job get a hit. His ex-girlfriend's prints are at the scene where a cop is murdered. Maura disappeared fifteen years ago - on the same night that Nap's twin brother and his girlfriend were killed. Finding Maura's prints at this crime scene have stirred up all sorts of emotions in Nap. He never understood why Maura disappeared in the night. And he knows that Leo and Diana did not commit suicide. When another one of his former classmates ends up dead Nap knows that it is not a coincidence. Everything ties back to the high school club that Leo was a part of - The Conspiracy Club. Nap is determined to find out the truth about what happened that night all those years ago. When he finds out that the nearby decommissioned military base is involved he fears that it is not over yet. Will Nap finally be able to find out the truth about that night and put the past to rest?

After all of these years Harlan Coben still knows how to captivate a reader. Nap is one of those "tough guy" characters that Coben knows how to write with such expertise. Nap has one weakness though, his ex-girlfriend. He never was able to move past her disappearance. Don't Let Go has all of the makings of a good thriller. Military spooks, missing girlfriends, neighborhood crazy guys, and more. I really liked his relationship with his bestie, Ellie. Their friendship was forged because of the events of those nights. They were opposites, but I kind of hoped they would end up together. In the end, I was a little shocked when it was revealed who killed Rex, but it did make sense - CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS

Bottom line - I love escaping into a Harlan Coben novel. They are fast-paced, captivating mysteries that sweep you up into the character's lives. Don't Let Go was a great read and the perfect way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon!

Details:
Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben
On Instagram
Pages: 400
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication Date: 9/26/2017
Buy it Here!

Harlan Coben is a master at his craft, and he makes sure that he shows how well he knows what he is doing! He writes such an amazing story with complex characters to add to the storyline and make it that much more real!

I love Coben's books.

In this one, Nap has lost his twin brother and it not sure that it was an accident.

The night of the incident, his girlfriend left him and town.

Now, 15 years later, he gets a knock on his door saying that Maura's prints were in the system and they were found on a car at the scene of an accident.

Nap starts to untangle what happened and finds a tangle of webs and lies.

I never saw the end coming.

5 stars

Such a gripping book, I literally could not put it down until I finished it early this morning. Coben really knows how to unfold a story and keep the mystery going throughout the book. There are surprises and twists, but also just a solid character-driven suspenseful tale.

another classic Coben, he never runs out of ideas, and always delivers. Easy four star book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this one. have already purchased the hard back for my personal collection.

Fifteen years ago two high school seniors died. What really happened in the woods that night?
Harlan Coben is a good storyteller. Maybe a great one.

Harlan Coben's books are such fun reads, and Don't Let Go is no different. Okay, this is only the second one I have read, and both so far have been enjoyable. Clearly, he is an author I should have discovered much earlier in my reading. A familiar location, developed characters, and a fast-paced mystery that keeps me guess make me a Harlan Coben fan.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2017/12/dont-let-go.html

Reviewed for NetGalley & Penguin First to Read.

For a thriller writers perhaps the worst response is--I was bored, I usually adore HC's work, and he is surely due a break--which this novel requires.

Quick easy read....engaging characters that I would like to see again!

There are a handful of authors that I know I can turn to time and time again and they will always give me just what I am looking for. Harlan Coben is on that list of authors. Don’t Let Go provided me just what I wanted.

The main character of the story is Detective Nap Dumas. His story really begins 15 years ago when his brother Leo and Leo’s girlfriend Diana were found dead on railroad tracks. At that same time, his girlfriend Maura broke up with him and then seemingly vanished. From that point on Nap was searching for who is responsible for his brother’s death and trying to find his long, lost girlfriend.

Then, Maura’s fingerprints are found on the rental car of a person suspected in the murder of another classmate of Nap’s.

Nap begins to tie the pieces of the past with the present. Could this all be related? Could it have anything to do with the abandoned military base that his high school friends hung out at?

Lots of twist and turns, I second guessed myself all the way through it. Another winner from Harlan Coben.

I received and ARC of this book.

I'm a long-time fan of Harlan Coben's for his gripping thrillers with unusual premises, ever twisting plots, and a steady stream of surprises. That all works for him again in Don't Let Go.

I have to say I only recently discovered the genius that is Coben and his mastery at writing thrillers that are almost un-put-downable. His latest does not disappoint. Based on a true story that occurred in the town where he grew up you'll be caught up with Nap and the childhood wounds inflicted by the death of his twin brother and his brother's girlfriend, Maura. These events were compounded by the fact that Nap's then girlfriend--and possible love of his life--broke up with him and disappeared. All the emotions he felt then resurface when Maura's fingerprints appear in the rental car of a suspected murderer. Pick this book up on a day where you have nothing else to do because you will be hooked from the get-go and will bring it with you even on bathroom breaks.

I have read and enjoyed quite a few of Harlan Coben’s books over the years. After reading the description for “Don’t Let Go” I was really excited to get reading.

New Jersey Detective Napoleon “Nap” Dumas has been searching for fifteen years. He’s been searching for his high school love, Maura. He’s also been searching for answers to what happened on the fateful night that his twin brother and girlfriend were found dead on the train tracks.

Now fifteen years later Maura’s fingerprints have been found where a crime has been committed. Will Nap finally find Maura and find out what happened that terrible night all those years before? Could it have something to do with the nearby abandoned military facility?

I really liked the way the book started. I found it was interesting and I was intrigued. However, after a while I found myself drifting. I was having a hard time with all of the characters and was easily distracted by other things going on.

I really liked Nap and enjoyed leaning about what he was like when he was younger. However, I wondered if an eighteen year old would really have the foresight that he did. I guess maybe he would have had the instincts of a cop early on. There were times he seemed very intelligent with great investigative skills. But then there were a few times I felt like he should have been more prepared as a seasoned police officer. I won’t say more as I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone.

There was a lot that I liked about this novel but unfortunately there were things that lessened my enjoyment of it. The story-line was interesting but there were many things that I found far-fetched. I often tell myself that it is normal when I’m reading fiction to have to suspend disbelief. Maybe I’m just being too fussy, but I found myself having to do it quite a bit while reading this novel. The book brought up a lot of important thought-provoking issues, but I just had a hard time staying connected to the story.

I’ve seen a lot of great reviews from readers that have really enjoyed this novel. It could be a case of “it’s not you it’s me”. I’ve enjoyed quite a few of the author’s other books. The Stranger, Hold Tight, and Stay Close are among my favorites. Although this wasn't my favorite from this author, I do look forward to seeing what Mr. Coben writes in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I am generally a fan of Harlan Coben (although I admit I am less fond of his Myron Bolitar books, which is heresy to many of his fans!) so I was pleased to get a copy of “Don’t Let Go” from Dutton/NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

In this latest, we meet Nap (Napoleon) Dumas, a police detective in suburban New Jersey. Nap had a twin brother who died when they were in high school, and Nap has never really recovered. Since then, he has grown close to a cop named Augie who has been a mentor, and who Nap truly loves. They have something in common, as Augie’s daughter Diana was with Nap’s brother Leo when they were both killed on the railroad tracks across town. At the same time as this horrible accident happened, Nap’s goddess girlfriend Maura disappears, adding to the obsession Nap has about finding out what really happened the night Leo and Diana died.

For fifteen years, Nap looked for answers (and for Maura, sometimes going outside the ethical lines to search for clues to her whereabouts). Following a murder in a neighboring town, Maura’s fingerprints turn up in a rental car linked to the murder. Nap goes full bore into a search for the answer to the earlier deaths as well as the more recent deaths of people who had been in the same group as Leo back in the day.

In the foreword to the book, Coben tells the reader the two-pronged suburban legends he heard growing up: that there was a Nike missile launch center with nuclear capabilities, and that there was a mansion (complete with armed guards) owned by a member of the mob that was on property that supposedly included an incinerator/crematorium. He ends the foreword with the words “Years later, I learned that both legends were true.” When the Nike missile site appears as part of the story, I sort of kept expecting the Mafia guy’s estate/crematorium to figure in to the plot, but that part didn’t happen.

There is, however, plenty of mystery, action and character development to keep this one rolling along. It help my interest right til the end. As usual, I hadn’t figured out the mystery (I usually don’t) and was somewhat surprised by the ending. I didn’t like a couple of key characters, but I did enjoy Nap and expect to see more of him in future Coben books. And, for the Myron Bolitar fans, he does make an appearance (although miniscule) early on. Four stars.

This book was quite the ride. There is a brutal twist that I honestly didn't see coming. It brings into perspective what not only what good people will do, but also what one will do for love.

Nap hasn't had the greatest luck with the ones he loves. His brother is killed and then right after his girlfriend disappears. Leaving him searching for answers years after everyone else has moved on.

When Maura's fingerprints turn up at a recent murder scene, it only ignites the fire within Nap. Now he is determined to find his lost love and to also uncover what really happened the night that Leo died. The only problem is Nap might not like what he uncovers.

A gripping read from start to finish. Twists and turns along the way keep the reader engaged and wanting more. Would definitely recommend this book!

©2017 All Rights Reserved CompuServe Books Review

Don't Let Go
By Harlan Coben
Suspense Fiction
October 2017
Dutton Books
ISBN: 978-0525955115

Nap Dumas has overcome heartache in his life -- his mother was never around, his beloved father has died. In between those two events, his twin brother was killed when they were seniors in high school and the love of his young life disappeared. In the years since, Nap became a cop and is an investigator for the county where he grew up.

The past is about to catch up with him when two cops from out of state show up at his door. A cop in their own town was killed. He was a guy Nap went to high school with, but that's not why they came. It's because a set of prints he put into the system years ago got a hit when they were processing the case. The prints belong to the girl who captured his heart and vanished when they all were in school.

From there, the action never stops in Harlan Coben's latest suspense novel. Old friends, old rumors and new perspectives on what Nap thought he knew come together masterfully. Who Nap is, who he was and who he could become are an important part of the story. This becomes as integral to the story as solving the mystery. As a bonus, an old favorite makes an appearance.

Coben says that two rumors he grew up with turned out to both be true. They certainly work together well in Don't Let Go. They also show that secrets aren't really secrets in a small town. And if someone doesn't hide the truth from himself, he can find a way to reconcile past and future.

-- Reviewed by Lynne Perednia
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Nap, who provides the first-person narrative, is an interesting and well-developed character.  He is a good person and a good cop, but he doesn’t have a problem with breaking the law when it suits him. He is a bit of a loner, with the exception of Ellie, with whom he became friends as they shared their grief so many years before. Nap’s unanswered questions about his brother’s death and Moira’s disappearance drive his actions and fuel a fast-paced tale.  With its with intrigue, conspiracies,  hidden secrets and plot twists,  this suspenseful read kept me reading late into the night. Another great read from this author.