I have enjoyed every book I have read in the past by Harlan Coben. So I was excited for the opportunity to read the first book in a new series. Well ... this will be the only book I’ll read from the WHL series! The main character, Win (Windsor Horne Lockwood III) is conceited and arrogant. Overflowing with testosterone, the pages are filled with rantings, narcissistic behavior, and overly confident sexual prowess. Hurry up and close this book so you don’t waste any more time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Love Win!! This character is great despite all his "faults". This is a fantastic spin off series. I cannot wait for the next release in the WIN series.

This particular book I have had to read this for a while now, just over a year. I was so excited when it was released as I love Harlan Coben, but then I was too scared to read it as what if it disappointed? I finally got around to reading it and I am again split in my decision. It was a good read and gave us a deeper insight into Win's family life as we knew he was wealthy and a bit of a lone wolf from previous stories with Myron Bolitar. It was also great to see where he is now. I also love how the book was a past/present theme with The Jane Street Six. This was an awesome twist to the story and seeing where they are now or discovering the truth of what happened to the characters back then. The part that I didn't like was the fact that without Myron - Win just isn't as good and quirky. I know he always liked to give this lone wolf attitude, but I felt this book was lacking because we don't have the strong chemistry that the bromance had. These two worked as they complimented each other and without each other, Win's character just fell flat for me. I also didn't like the new lawyer Sadie as she was all attitude and you are ruining my career. It's like HELLO, he is a vigilante and he got Teddy off the streets and he even died almost doing it, give him some credit. She just didn't understand poor Win and how his mind worked. It was good though to see Win interacting more with his daughter as she is a mix of Win's personality and the OMG twist with his cousin and uncle's family was surprising. I am interested to see if we do get more Win stories and fingers crossed, we get some Myron cameos as that would be awesome.

I'm hoping Mr Coben will continue Win's storyline now that he has wrapped up Myron's as Win was always the more interesting character.

I have read almost everything Harlan Coben has written and normally I love his books. I did enjoy reading Myron and Win together but, I had a very hard time getting into this story and put it down and picked it up multiple times before deciding to get it finished. I think I may have to pass on this series.

I have been dying for a Win spin off for years, and this did not disappoint. Windsor Horne Lockwood III makes as compelling a main character as he does Myron’s sidekick. He is the ultimate anti-hero who is still eastpy to love and to root for. Getting more of his back story was a treat, and the pacing/plot is pitch-perfect Harlan Coben..

I love Harlan Coben. I’ve enjoyed every single book. It doesn’t matter if you are unfamiliar with Myron Bolitar, this can be read as a stand alone though you should really catch up. You won’t regret it. I enjoyed Sin very very much, it’s as if he’s telling the story . The action is intense in this book. Go read it!

This book didn't work for me. The plot was to intricate and boring. There were so many details that I didn't want to keep track of. However, I did like the character of Win. He is a narcissistic antihero that I would like to get to know more of.

WIn was wonderful. I absolutely love Harlan Coben. He delivered another book that I devoured in one sitting.

Win Lockwood isn't surprised when the police show up at his door, but he is surprised to learn why they are there. They have found one of the priceless pieces of art that was stolen from his family years ago. He and his family were convinced they were gone forever, but it also surprised him to learn that they found his luggage in the same apartment as the artwork. He knows that this is all connected to his uncle's murder and his cousin Patricia's kidnapping, he just doesn't know how. Win uses his connections, his influence, and his money to find how his family's priceless artwork ended up in the apartment of a dead hoarder. But is he ready for the dark secrets his investigation could uncover?



I am a devoted Harlan Coben fan and remember Win from his friendship with the Myron Bolitar character. Win Lockwood is an arrogant character, his ultra-wealthy status gives him the right to be arrogant. But he also has a heart of gold. He uses that wealth and that arrogance to help those around him. It is fun to ride along with Win on his journey to get some answers, as many of us will never get to live Win's kind of lifestyle. The book is a fast and easy read, but not without some surprises. - CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS.



Bottom Line - There is a reason Harlan Coben is a literary superstar. After thirty years in the business, he still writes a story that readers love to read. Fresh characters, crazy twists, and a well-written story are what readers - this reader- crave in a book.



Details:

Win by Harlan Coben
On Instagram
Pages: 384
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: 3/16/2021
Buy it Here!
Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for a review.
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CATEGORIES: 2021, MYSTERY

Here’s what’s to like:
•

Here’s what’s not to like:
• I can’t think of any other way to describe Win other than to say he’s totally up himself;
• he is devoid of empathy and basically, doesn’t care about other people at all – even worse than that, he holds himself high above everyone else as some kind of moral arbiter, deciding for himself who lives and dies (yeesh, this guy is a creep);
• he answers the phone by saying “articulate” – is that supposed to be humorous? who does that?
• he uses an App to decide which woman he will have sex with, Oh, and have I mentioned that the women on the other end of this App have to be at least 10s, otherwise he won’t bother;
• this guy was born will ALL the advantages and what does he do? he
• he’s insufferable;
• and I’ve left the worst for last, he used the word "methinks” several times in the book.

He has NO redeeming character traits and comes across as an entitled bully and bore.

Win is a one-percenter, UBER wealthy, fantastically good looking, witty and charming (all in his opinion) – if that’s your bag, go for it, you’ll love this book.

Very satisfying thriller! This was my first Harlan Coben, but I'll be checking out some of his others. I enjoyed the super-rich Win Lockwood as a character and found the story very engaging.

This is a story about a gentleman and a crime.

I enjoyed this, and felt like it was different from prior works by the author. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel a connection with the protagonist and couldn’t determine if this was purposeful on the author’s part.? Perhaps he’s supposed to be insufferable? There were sufficient twists and turns to keep it interesting, and for readers who don’t need a compelling protagonist I think this will be a solid suspenseful pick.

Thank you NetGalley & Random House for the eArc !

This was an entertaining read and one of Coben's better ones, in my opinion. Yes, he follows a formula, but it works well enough and I thought Win was an intriguing character, who will make for a good protagonist in an ongoing series. Looking forward to the next one!

I've been a big fan of the Myron Bolitar books and have always enjoyed the character of Win. He is a little bit psycho, funny, pretentious, basically a well written character. This book with Win as the lead did not disappoint. I also enjoyed the mystery. The story kept me guessing and interested in the outcome. I look forward to more in the series.

My rating is a hover between a 3 and 4 star. I've been completely honest about my bias towards Harlan Coben. He's one of my favorite authors. His mystery thrillers are always fast paced with a protagonist that usually has all the odds against them. Win Lockwood is not in the same position as many of his other leading characters. Win has money to burn and is almost a Bruce Wayne-Batman type figure. He's out to right the wrongs and injustices of the world and has the money to boot. The only difference is Batman doesn't usually kill the villain. Win doesn't care one way or the other...

I digress... but you've been warned. I love Coben's writing so, essentially I lean towards a favorable rating of his work... but... (imagine me shaking my head in shame and embarassment). I'm on the fence with this read.

Starting with the basics, enter Win Lockwood. In the first few pages he's painted as a playboy, billionaire vigilante hellbent on imposing justice on those who have escaped the long-arm of justice. He's immediately undeniably likeable (hence my Batman comparison). He's a 1 percenter that looks out for the little guy... but not really.

Skip ahead and we find out Win is great friends with another Harlan Coben staple, Myron Bolitar. Those who know Coben know that Bolitar was the catalyst for much of Coben's success. Bolitar is a former basketball player turned sports agent that investigates murders. Hence, the little guy against the big bad unknown that I've come to love about Coben's work. Yet, in all honesty, I've maybe read only one Myron Bolitar installation. My love for Coben wasn't dependent on that dude... I digress...

Well... Win gets word that a precious family heirloom is found among the belongings of a fugitive from the 60s or 70s (I'm not sure nor does it really matter... or maybe it does...) who was responsible for the tragic deaths of innocents after throwing a molotov cocktail protesting some sort of green initiative or what have you from those times. The 50s-70s were a tumultuous time for people and social consciousness reined supreme. Suffice it to say, a political statement turned deadly and Win is on the heels of the 6 involved in the crime.

Why does Win care about the crime involving the murdered man found to be in possession of his family's Vermeer painting? Well... Win believes this painting may lead him to the person who murdered his uncle and abducted and raped his cousin years earlier.

So... yes!!! We have a story of revenge? Right?

Wrong... kinda... but not really... but kinda...

Before I get into my issues with this read, I'll begin by saying I was hooked from page 1. I've said that many times... but the phrase is always accurate. I was reading a few other reads and trying to pass the Spring 2021 semester when I told myself I was only going to read a couple sentences. I was bored with my current reads and saw the release date for Win was approaching and figured that Coben's reads are usually fast so... let's go.

Before long, I was engrossed in Win's life. The privilege, the money, the jet-setting, and the bad-assery of it all had me hooked. And then... I was pulled away from the read. Although I repeatedly came back to read more, I grew more annoyed with Win.

Those who read many novels understand that the easiest hurdle to remove from the any-man is means. The means to book a flight at last minute or have the time to casually issue their own form of justice on a whim. I'm not sure if it's because I'm a little more socially aware nowadays of the disparity of classes, but ultimately, I became annoyed with Win. All his money, privilege, and arrogance became annoying.

I'm not trying to make this review racial or controversial. Generally, my reviews are based on how a novel makes me feel. But as Coben forces an ending that neatly wraps up Win's debut novel, I realize I didn't like him. The very things that attracted me to him on page one annoyed me by the end of Win. There were no obstacles for this man. The one obstacle he encounters leads to a quick recovery (not surprising since he's rich and can afford great doctors). He's just so damn... lucky. Rather, he's always winning. He wins at everything... and.... I want him to be more human.

I want him to be more plausible. He's even a friend of the police. WTF!!!!!!

Does his privilege and money know no bounds?

NOPE.

Yet, I love Coben's writing. Win isn't a favorite and after writing this review, I realize this is more of a 2-3 star book. Sure, the story is captivating and interesting from page one. A total page turner... Yet... aren't there enough Batman stories? I didn't even get into how this narrative is provided by someone who isn't even all that likeable after awhile.

My apologies. I simply feel this novel ignores that we're tired of the rich and their problems. I prefer the every-man of Coben's past novels suggesting that against all odds, the truth might set us free.

Copy provided by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley

He’s incredibly handsome, impeccably dressed, totally urbane, interested only in no-strings relationships, and so amazingly rich that it’s hard to remember when anyone in his family has ever worked, besides, that is, practicing their golf swings.

Of course, Windsor “Win” Horne Lockwood III is totally obnoxious — or would be if he didn’t recognize and make fun of all those traits. He knows he was born into money not for any reason but the winning of the genetic lottery. Ditto for the looks. He doesn’t have to wear — gasp — hoodies but can instead attire himself in sartorial splendor. As for the relationships, or lack of them, well, Win has issues that started in childhood, so you can’t really blame him for that.

What he’s never had before is a mystery novel all about him. But now he does in “Win,” written by Harlan Coben, the bestselling author who has 75 million books in print in 45 languages, as well as multiple number of Netflix series, including “The Stranger” and “The Woods,” with two more, “The Innocent” and “Gone for Good,” out soon.

Up until now, Win has been a sidekick to Coben’s main character, Myron Bolitar, a sports agent who moonlights — often unintentionally — as a private detective. Coben never intended to make Win the main character in a novel, but that changed.

“I came up with a story idea involving stolen paintings, a kidnapped heiress and a wealthy family with buried secrets — and then I thought, ‘Wow, this should be Win’s family and his story to tell’,” Coben said. “Win is, I hope you agree when you read the book, always a surprise. He thrives on the unexpected.”


The kidnapped heiress is Win’s cousin Patricia, who was abducted by her father’s murderers and held prisoner until she managed to escape. She now is devoted to helping women who are being victimized by men. The stolen paintings include a Vermeer that was taken when Patricia was kidnapped. That painting, along with another, appear to have been stolen by a former 1960s radical turned recluse who was murdered in his apartment after successfully hiding from authorities for more than a half century.

But keep in mind, this is a Coben novel, so nothing is ever as it seems. The plots are devious, and the twists and turns are many. As Win goes on the hunt for the painting, he has to deal with other difficulties that arise as well. His proclivity for vigilante justice — he knows, he tells us in one of the many asides he makes to readers, that we may not approve — has led to retaliation by the man’s murderous brothers, who almost manage to kill him. The hunt for the Vermeer gets him involved with a treacherous mobster who is determined to find the last remaining radical of the group of six he believes was responsible for his niece’s death.

“Win has been Myron’s dangerous, perhaps even sociopathic, sidekick and undoubtedly the most popular character I’ve ever written,” Coben said. “That said, you don’t have to read a single Myron book to read 'Win.' This is the start of a new series with a whole new hero.”

This is a classic Harlan Coben story. The main character is exceptionally gifted and privileged and trying to take on the world. I've read most of the Myron Bolitar series, and if you love that series, you will also enjoy this one. I must preface this by saying that I like Coben's stand-alone novels much more than the series because they begin to feel redundant. The same catch phrases are repeated a few too many times, and it feels corny. I liked reading from Win's perspective, but I don't see myself reading more of this series as it is released.

I did like the story line and the ending was great, but I struggle with Win's overly cocky personality traits and the constant references to how great Myron is. That would be super confusing to anyone that didn't read the previous series. As someone that read it, I just find it distracting. Additionally, Win's ability to almost die, but be perfectly fine to continue his investigation is unrealistic. I'd recommend this to anyone that really loves Coben's novels, but probably not to a new reader of his works.

If you've missed Myron Bolitar, then you've probably missed Win, Myron's "questionable" best friend. Win is fierce, complicated, deadly, and so much more. Usually, we interact with Win as he assists Myron in solving mysteries or getting out of trouble, but now the mystery and trouble are part of Win's family. Long held secrets are coming out into the open, and that is not appropriate in Win's world.

I'm not sure what it is but the last few Harlan Coben books I've read have not thrilled me. While I enjoyed the humor, I didn't really care for Win. And then the plot became complex and there were so many characters to keep up with, I was lost and overwhelmed. Maybe others can find their way through the jungle and enjoy the adventure but I think I'll go back to my patio rocking chair and find something more comfortable.