
Member Reviews

Heiress Patricia Lockwood comes from a wealthy, the family who have a country estate. Whilst a robbery is taking place at the estate Patricia is kidnapped and kept locked in a cabin for months, where she was abused. In New York City on the Upper West Side a man is found murdered in his apartment, the police find two items in the apartment that had come from Patricia’s family home. This man is very private no one visited him how has he got these two articles? One a valuable Vermeer painting the other a suitcase with the initials WHL3 engraved on it. How do the FBI get to the bottom of this.

I love Harlan Coben and I love Win and I absolutely loved this book. I loved hearing more about one of my favourite characters and the story was mind blowing as always xx

This is the first Harlan Coben I have read in quite some time and I enjoyed it. Win was always a character I found fascinating so this was always going to be a good read for me. I enjoyed learning more about him, learning his back story and the way he approached this investigation. Action was well described leaving my imagination to fill in any blanks. This book is well worth the read, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

3.5/5
I enjoyed this read. It was pretty fast paced and Win (as a character) was developed quite well throughout. My only gripes would be that the plot twist whilst came as a bit of an eyebrow raiser, it didn't shock or have the impact on me. I also didn't feel the same connection to Win as I would, say someone like Alex Cross etc.
I would definitely read a follow on story to see where the series goes though.
Review has been posted on goodreads

This is the first time I have read one of the books from his Myron Bolitar series and I have only just realised what I must have missed.
A hermit-like hoarder is discovered murdered in his exclusive penthouse and a priceless, stolen painting is displayed on the wall.
The murder victim is soon linked not only to an art heist but to a terrorist incident years earlier, where there were several victims. The art work is owned by the wealthy Lockwood family and their son Win becomes involved in trying to discover the mystery of the original theft and tracing a second masterpiece which has not been recovered. The murder of his uncle and the abduction and abuse of his cousin also motive his search for justice.
This was a fast paced, exciting story. I was gripped from the beginning and hooked until the ending, which was totally unexpected. At the end, everything came together perfectly, but I had not anticipated any of it.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

'Win' is the start of a new series by Harlan Coben, featuring a character who has only been a side feature in the Myron Bolitar series. Windsor Horne Lockwood III, was born into a rarified world - rich and priviledged, where access to people and places was provided simply by giving his name. Yet, Win continues to walk a think line, between this and a very different world - one in which he is a vigilante. In this darker world, Win investigates and delivers the judgement himself, without any requirement for a judge or judy. And he does not stop to think of the potential reprocessusions. I found some elements of the Marvel comic character, DareDevil in this aspect of Win - he seeks out injustice and meters out his form our retribution. And similar to DareDevil, Win has spent years, travelling and training to ensure that he is capable of fighting and winning.
Onto, the main story, over twenty years ago, Win's cousin Patricia was mysterious kidnapped on the same night that her father was murdered. Meanwhile, two priceless paintings were also stolen from the family. These seemingly unrelated events have remained unsolved until now. When a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment, on the rather exclusive New York's Upper West Side, the FBI reopen their investigations and Win finds himself and Patricia at the heart of those halfgotten events.
Relying on his, apparently relentless personal resources, Win launches his own investigations and soon begins to regret digging up the past as many skeletons start to fall.
Although the overall story was interesting, I found it difficult to warm to the character of Win, as he seems unable to think beyond his own needs and wants. For example (and this is not a spoiler as it occurs in the opening pages), he attacks 'Teddy' without considering the potential fallout - or considering discussing the legal ramifications of the case against Teddy. It is Win's lack of judgement that lead me to be suspicious of his behaviour thoughout the novel and at times, I did wonder if the reader could trust his viewpoint - of course, this also, worked as it meant, that I kept reader to see what Win would do next!
I would be interested in reading a followup book to see if there is any sign of character development.
Summary: Fun and easy read.

I’m a huge fan of Harlan Coben’s work and Win is up there with the best. Win is short for Windsor Horne Lockwood lll and he is best known as the powerful, very rich and slightly sociopathic best friend of Myron Bolitar who has had a series of books written about him. I was thrilled to discover that this novel is written from Win’s perspective and was about his life.
Twenty years ago Win’s cousin, Patricia, was kidnapped and her father was murdered. After some months she escaped her captors who were never identified. In the present day a recluse is murdered in his New York apartment. Amongst his belongings are a piece of artwork which was owned by the Lockwood family and a suitcase which belonged to Patricia. The cases have to be linked and Win, using his power, resources and connections beings to investigate. As he looks into the cases sub-plots being to emerge including five missing hippies, a vigilante bombing and an organised crime family seeking revenge. There’s a lot going on and Coben blends the action with all his usual skill. As the story develops Win is forced to confront some long held family secrets.
Win has everything you would expect from a novel by this author; an artful plot, plenty of clever twists and turns, lots of action and smart narrative. Whilst Win has always been an intriguing character in previous novels, he has always lurked in the shadows, he now has the limelight all to himself and it was fascinating to learn more about his personality and, dare I say it, some of his insecurities. It’s a straight 5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been a big fan of Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar series in which Win was a minor character, a rich friend of Myron who helped in various investigations.
In this book Win is the main protagonist and narrator and although Myron is mentioned he does not appear. At first I was not sure how this would work and whether Win really deserved his own book but after a few pages I was well and truly hooked!
Wyn is not an easy character to like, he has many idiosyncrasies and he does not always follow the legal route with the result that some of his decisions are morally questionable. However he understands this character trait, himself and tries to explain it in the first person narration. He gives the impression of being slightly psychopathic but in a positive way as he harnesses these traits to work for the common good.
This book looks into Win’s family background and encompasses the investigation of a homegrown terror plot which took place in the 1970s. Win also looks into the murder of his uncle and the kidnap of his cousin Patricia which also happened round about this time.
Win is a great lead character, he’s not exactly likeable but he does try to do the right thing. He is also extremely loyal to those he truly cares about including Myron and his own biological daughter Ema. He likes to right wrongs but not necessarily within the boundaries of the law.
This is a great read and hopefully it is the first in a new series as I’d certainly like to see more of Windsor Lockwood III.
I raced through “ Win” in a couple of days and recommend to all crime thriller fans and Harlan Coben enthusiasts. If you’ve read the Myron Bolitar books that’s fine but this book is really a stand alone so no prior knowledge required.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

For years, Harlan Coben has written about Win from Myron Bolitar's perspective, and left readers wondering about who he really is. This book is everything that fans of the MB series have ever wanted in that it is entirely in Win's voice and we finally, finally get an insight into what lies beneath the surface. As always, here is an excellent mystery with all the twists and turns any Harlan Coben fan would expect, plus those extra, heart-wrenching details that make you love Win even more than ever. I have always said that picking up a book about Myron and Win is like setting down to hear old friends talking and this is just like that - listening to a dear, beloved friend talk while you sit, awestruck, at the tale they're telling.
This is what makes Harlan Coben's books special - why they sit above the rest for me - the heart and soul of them. He doesn't just write a mystery; he creates characters that etch a mark right in my heart and he makes me care so intensely that I grieve each book when I finish it.
I would strongly advise reading the Myron Bolitar series before reading Win....or read them all afterwards then read Win again, but read them all and you will not be disappointed.

Harlan Coben never let's the reader down. The back story for Win. Family dynamics and history that explains Win mindset. His thirst for justice that is not always legal. How Win is coping without Myron and the new relationships he is forging. Compelling reading and I look forward to hearing from more of the characters introduced in this book.

Having watched The Stranger on Netflix and never having read a book by Harlan Coben I thought I would give this new series a go. It reminded me very much of a 1970's sort if anti hero TV Series.
I must say I totally loved this character (though I know some will not) and I hope that there are more to come and hopefully a Netflix series.

I'm a fan of Harlan Coben and particularly the Myron Bolitar series which Win is also a frequent character, and it was with interest how a book devoted to Win as a main character might be.
The humour and plotlines were there but I'm afraid the characterisation of Win felt a little a little too much of a cliché to me, a little too 'James Bond' in style - from a humour perspective.
Four stars from me as this was only a minor glitch in what is a very good series of books.

Win is a pretty unlikeable character - monied, privileged, arrogant and with a propensity for violence. He tends to act without much thought for the consequences and has no qualms in using people to achieve his aims. Perhaps his one redeeming feature is that he does tend to act for the good, and is aware of his emotional shortcomings.
He metes out justice to a man which results in him tangling with the mob and being drawn into a case closely concerning his family - the murder of his uncle and abduction of his cousin twenty years ago. A murky world is revealed as a man dies and a painting and suitcase belonging tothe Lockwood family is found in his apartment. The clues are handled very well, allowing the reader to learn in stages alongside Win as he tries to find out what happened to some young terrorists, and how they were involved, if at all, in his family's tragedy.
Its well written and very readable. I just wish Win was a little more endearing!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone and Century for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that focuses on Win, who is the best friend of Myron Bolitar in another series of Harlan Coben books. I was so excited to receive a free advanced reader copy of this not only because I absolutely love Harlan Coben books but because I love the character of Win and I was so excited to see him feature as a main character.
First and foremost, this book has everything that you may have come to expect from a Harlan Coben novel, its got plenty of twists and turns, an unpredictable ending and lots of funny witty comments. More than that it’s nice to have an insight into Win’s innermost thoughts, his character is very grey which some people may not like or agree with but I find that there is something so inherently likeable about him, possible because it feels like even when he’s doing the wrong thing he’s doing it for the right reasons or possibly because his close relationships and loyalties redeem him for the darker sides to his personality. If this is the first book that you’re considering reading of Harlan Coben then it can be read as a stand-alone and if you’re already a fan then I highly recommend it just to be able to read more of Win. As always Harlan has written yet another brilliant book and I’m already excited for the next chapter of Win’s story!

I haven’t read a Harlan Coben book for a while.. Win is a likeable character and there is a humour running through the book despite its dark subject. It is a stand alone book however there were many references to his friend Myron Bolitar which I found rather unsettling. I enjoyed this book and will go back to find some Myron Bolitar books

An absolutely brilliant book, lots of twists and turns. The main character was one of those that I couldn’t decide whether I liked them or not, I really think Harlan Coben is such a fantastic writer, and he really gives his characters depth. I got to the point where I was going without sleep to read, so that’s when you know the book is a good one!
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to review this, I’m really glad I did.

This is a popular author and I’ve never read any of their books before. This book had an interesting back cover which tempted me into reading it. I am so glad I did. Now I’m a convert and I’m going to see what else the author has to offer. Brilliant just brilliant!

This is the first in a new series by Harlan Coben featuring billionaire Windsor Horne Lockwood III, in his forties, a good friend and sidekick to Myron Bolitar, providing him with help by accessing information that would otherwise be unavailable. There is much to dislike about 'Win', he reeks of white privilege, an exclusive lifestyle out of reach of almost everyone else, he has a narcissistic streak, exudes arrogance, acts with impunity, safe in the knowledge he is never going to be accountable for his actions or behaviour because of his class and wealth. He is generally not interested in other people, their lives or their opinions, and at the heart of him, there is a violent streak that he revels in unleashing. If he loves anyone at all, it is Myron, a friendship that means everything to him, the only others who have any claim on his affections are his family, upholding its honour and reputation is integral to who he is, protecting them, and he not keen for any concept of justice applying to him or his family. His inability to connect with others on a emotional level suggests he is on the spectrum.
There are antiheroes I have connected with but Win is not one of them, although there are occasions when I felt a little more ambivalent, such as the development of his relationship and feelings towards his biological daughter, Ema, which appears to signal the beginnings of the cracks in the walls around his heart. However, you do not need to like the protagonist to enjoy a novel, and it is Coben after all, a man with a reputation for conjuring complex and twisted fast paced thrillers where nothing is as it appears. Win finds himself at the scene of the murder of a recluse and hoarder at the Beresford apartment building where there are items that connect the victim to the Lockwood family. The first is a stolen family Vermeer, part of a long ago art heist, and a case with his initials, connected to the murder of his Uncle Aldrich, and the abduction, rape and torture of his cousin, Patricia, kept at the notorious Hut of Horrors where other young women were murdered.
Win investigates the murder of the victim, aided by his able assistant Kabir, who turns out to be Ry Strauss, a key figure in a 1970s case of domestic terrorism, as connections emerge with the art heist and the Hut of Horrors. This has all the thrills, twists and surprises you would expect from Coben, along with the nail biting tension and suspense that his multitude of avid fans would expect. There are numerous mentions of Myron and other familiar figures such as Hester Crimstein, helping to embed Win in his new central role. A entertaining and engaging thriller that leaves me wanting to read the next in the series as soon as it becomes available. Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for an ARC.

Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar series was an utter joy. Myron, an ex-basketball player turned sports agent and private eye and his friend Win (Windsor Horne Lockwood lll). Such a good series that kind of came to a natural conclusion. But Myron and Win were a fantastic pairing, a little like Cole and Pike in the excellent Robert Crais books.
And out of the blue we have a book featuring Win. Win always had less page time than Myron but was a strong presence when he appeared.
Win is a psychopath, a dangerous man. He is also immensely rich, arrogant and very loyal to his few friends. A guy you would very much want on your side, not the other.
In this, the past and family history catch up with a shock. A valuable painting is found in the apartment of a murdered recluse and there may be a link to the abduction of Win’s cousin many years ago. She escaped but odd connections remain. So Win decides to find out the truth that may be buried amongst family secrets and a arson attack by activists many years ago. Can power, wealth and violence find the truth after so much time?
It’s a page turner with much of the author’s famous twists and turns. Myron does not appear but is mentioned often and in ways that explain his absence and how the books have evolved.
First of a new series I very much hope.

Harlan Coben knows his art and always produces a well crafted story. He is my favourite author and I am always keen to read a new book by him so I was surprised when this one didn't hit the mark with me.
The problem was that I just couldn't engage with Win and as the main character and narrator that was a bit of an issue. I have come across him before but I found a full book of him too much, given his privileged attitudes.
That aside, I enjoyed the twists and turns and progress of the story and did not anticipate the ending so the book was entertaining and worth reading but I prefer Win diluted with Myron.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC for an honest review.