Love love love this book! It was such a good palette cleanser! Definitely loved the suspense I went it with low expectations bc it’s not my normal genre choice but ended up loving it!

2.5 stars rounded down

If you have read my reviews for awhile, you know that Harlan Coben is one of my go-to authors. I especially pick up his novels when I am having a difficult time getting interested in any books. Coben’s fast-paced plots usually draw me in immediately and urge me to finish the book in one sitting.

Think Twice is the first novel I have read from Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar series, which happens to be novel number 12. I was hoping that I could pick up this new release without needing to read the eleven prior books. After all, I have had a brief introduction to the two main characters in Win (2021).

Think Twice begins at a brisk pace with Myron approached by the FBI who demands he tell them where his former friend and client, Greg, is hiding. Greg’s DNA has been found at a high-profile murder scene. The only problem is Greg has been dead for 3 years. Myron and his bestie, Win, set off to get answers and stumble upon a serial killer.

Think Twice is the first Harlan Coben novel that I have been truly disappointed by. Perhaps if I read the entire series, I would have been more enamored with this new title. (It seems everyone on Goodreads is.) However, Think Twice lacked the elements that I love about Coben’s books: well-developed characters; a fast, steady pace; and solid writing that does not scream, “I am man.”

Although Think Twice has Coben’s signature twist and turns that keep you guessing, the plot itself is difficult to buy into and drags in the middle. Apparently, no one cares that it is wildly inappropriate for a sports agent and a trust funder to jet around the country trying to solve a murder. The FBI and local police departments just shrug off the serious interference and obstructions of justice. Instead, the odd pair – Bolitar and Win – solve a slew of serial murders complicated enough to require four chapters of explanation but without motivation.

Coben is one of the few male authors that I read. Often times, particularly in crime or thriller books, male authors write in a way that exudes testosterone and cluelessness about the other sex. This has never been a problem for me with Coben’s novels. However, Think Twice is led by Bolitar who speaks in a way I would call characteristically male and “boomer cringey.” (I promise that no one needs to read “bitching view” multiple times in the first few chapters.) For me, the writing is atypical of Coben and worse for it.

I realize that Think Twice is a an entry in a long-standing series; however, I think it is a reasonable expectation for writers to expect readers to pick up any novel as a standalone. Yet, it is taken for granted that readers know the characters. Or at least, there is little introduction to the characters, their backgrounds, and their personalities. In addition, the novel lacks the interactions between main characters that are a hallmark and strength of the series.

Overall, Think Twice is unevenly paced and far-fetched. From reading this novel alone, I would argue the Myron Bolitar series is past its prime and should be retired. I only recommend Think Twice to avid fans of the series who are devoted to its characters.

"Think Twice" by Harlan Coben is a thrilling read filled with unexpected twists and turns. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, with engaging characters and a plot that unfolds in a gripping manner. Perfect for fans of suspense and mystery, this book is hard to put down once you start. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good page-turner. All I can say is "Welcome back my old friends"!

Situations like this were always about missing stuff. Keep shaking the box and hope more pieces fall out. Only if your shaking the right box.


Prophetic words but oh so true. A combination of plot and relationship driven the balance between the two is what drove me to give this a 5 star rating. It's one of these reviews you don't want to give to much away so I will focus on the relationships. There is Myron who is the center. Likeable guy, into the details, and loyalty is center. His best friend Win, who does only loyal to Myron. He watches out for him and when morality is questioned, he has no qualms about the immoral of a situation. In some ways, he can be considered realist. Jeremy is the son that Myron just found out he had. Their relationship is strained because of the father that raised him. Myron is honest about this relationship because of all who is involved. He gives all the space and goes from there. Greg whom Myron has had a past with, who also is a client, and the man who raised his son.

It all comes to a head when the FBI contacts Myron on the whereabouts of Greg when his DNA shows up at murder scene. What is baffling is Greg was declared dead. Which leaves Myron on the hunt to find his friend and what is going on. This all leads to something more sinister - a serial killer. With more murder and a few connections, Myron must find who is behind this before he loses any one he loves.

This was an action packed and dot connecting thriller. I thought I had it figured out but was intentionally lead astray. No problem, it still was an exciting read.

A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Harlan Coben is one of my favorite authors. This wasn’t my favorite of his books. It was good but not as engaging as I am used to.
I received this galley from Net Galley.

Myron Bolitar is stunned Greg Downing, a man he shares a complicated past, is alive and implicated in a murder. With the FBI breathing down his neck, Myron and Win travel around trying to piece together what really happened to Greg, while also coming into contact with his biological son.

Now married to Therese, Myron is trying to re-establish MB Reps after regretfully selling the business years prior. Best friend, the wealthy Win is back in his sociopathic glory, forever a fierce friend to Myron as only Win can be.

It's been years since we last had a Myron Bolitar book and appreciated that Coben allows his character to grow and age as Myron reflects on on aging, observing how things have slowed down for him and even Win.

As always I was glued from start to finish. Harlen Coben has not let me down. By the end I found myself feeling just as moved as Win. I can see that this might be the final book, but surely there's more adventures to be had. I, for one, will be crossing my fingers.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is the 12th book in the Myron Bolitar series. What I liked about this one is that there were lots of characters from books past. Of course the relationship between Myron and Win trumps all and I love to read about these two! The mystery started a little slow for me and at times I was confused about what was going on. It seemed too complex. But as things started to solidify and the different threads were woven together, of course it was excellent! I had lots of ideas of what I thought was going on and every single one was wrong. Coben is the master of surprising me at the end. A great addition to the series.

Myron and Win are one of my favorite pairings in mysteries/thrillers! I was so happy to see them back with another book.

We have all the expected banter and dangerous antics here, as Myron gets himself in all sorts of trouble along the way.

This story has a lot of characters and various moving parts to keep track of, which I sometimes found a little hard to follow. This might have been my mood or the late-night reading with a sleepy brain. I just felt that the middle of the story got slightly muddled.

Still, I loved the way it all came together in the end, and I enjoyed every moment I spent with this pair.

(Though I’m still bitter that Win hasn’t yet gotten a second book in his own spinoff series!)

It's so strange to be back with Myron and Win, only they're getting older like real people. I loved the first books in this series and I was nervous about this new mystery that promised to bring up some of the beginning. Myron lost his chance at a sports career because of Greg, who is somehow affecting things from beyond the dead.
This was a mystery that appeared to be based on random events, which made the investigation more difficult. With persistence and by using a lot of resources, Myron and Win make their way around forcing facts out of the woodwork.
Loyalty is the biggest thing in Myron's world, and we get to see how it affects his past and present. I know Coben keeps writing lucrative standalones, but I really hope this isn't the end because I miss these people when I don't hear from them.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Sports agent Myron Bolitar's client has been accused of a double murder. The catch? Greg died 3 years prior and Myron gave his eulogy. Myron and his friend Win dive into finding the truth spun in a web of murders and their maybe too perfectly wrapped up convictions. While I haven't read any of the Myron series, he's part of the Harlan Coben-verse cast of characters that pops up in each other's series, so I was familiar with him as I've read a number of the other books. Don't worry if you haven't read any of the others, enough backstory is provided throughout that this works as a stand alone.

I am so happy that Myron and Win are back. It has been a few years, and they have aged nicely. It is wonderful that the new book ties in old characters, yet you can read it as a stand-alone and not feel left out. Great mystery, family drama, and laughs along the way.

Three years ago, sports agent Myron Bolitar gave a eulogy at the funeral of his client, renowned basketball coach Greg Downing. Myron and Greg had history: initially as deeply personal rivals, and later as unexpected business associates. Myron made peace and moved on – until now, when twofederal agents walked into his office, demanding to know where Greg Downing is. According to the agents, Greg is still alive—and has been placed at the scene of a double homicide, making him their main suspect. Shocked, Myron needs answers.Myron and Win, longtime friends and colleagues, set out to find the truth, but the more they discover about Greg, the more dangerous their world becomes. Secrets, lies, and a murderous conspiracy that stretches back into the past churn at the heart of Harlan Coben's blistering new novel. Another great addition to the Bolitar series. I love everything Coben writes but would love to see more Myron in the future!

Thanks again to NetGalley for an ARC of this excellent book in exchange for an honest review.

Myron and Win are back in Harlan Coben’s latest thriller, “Think Twice”. This time around, they are tracking a serial killer who ingeniously frames innocent people to take the fall for each murder they commit. All of the classic Myron/Win dynamics are on display (witty banter, personality quirks, complicated relationships, etc.), and the whodunnit aspect of the story results in a truly surprising villain reveal toward the end.

Overall, another fantastic effort from Coben….highly recommended. Five stars.

Myron Bolitar: Oh how I missed you! (I have a feeling that I’m not alone in that sentiment).

In Think Twice, Myron is back, along with his best friend Win, and the rest of the gang (Esperanza, Big Cyndi, Ellen, Al, and Therese) and their reunion was well worth the wait (lots of tears may have been shed). When Myron is brought in by the FBI to find his former client Greg Downing, Myron is taken aback - as Greg, his old Basketball rival, has been dead for years. The investigation into the whereabouts of Greg Downing is downright thrilling, and kept my attention throughout, though it’s the characters that I always return to. Myron and Win, whose friendship, loyalty, and witty banter warm the heart.
4.5 Stars.

Another buddy read with Ms. Kaceey. You are still the Myron to my Win. ❣️

Huge thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for sharing this arc with me. Namaste Harlan Coben. You've done it again.

Disclaimer: Many tears were shed during the reading of this novel.

This is my first read by this author. I finished it in one day. It was intriguing, thrilling, and I wanted to know how it ended quickly. I think the author did well with the layout and keeping you guessing. It had a steady pace throughout without lulls. I give it a 4 star even when I disagree with the author's religious thoughts towards the end.
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

I’m a HUGE Myron Bolitar fan - it’s my top series I recommend to people who are wanting to get into reading (particularly audiobooks) so I was very excited for this one to come out. Myron and Win are at it again after a brief hiatus but it feels like no time has passed.

Lots of 2020-2024 social references that seem a little forced at times but that’s truly my only complaint. I did NOT see the ending coming which rarely happens for me anymore. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

I stopped reading Harlan Coben a while back and after starting Think Twice I wondered what prompted my stepping away, but as Myron Bolitar points out “We are our mistakes. Sometimes they are the best part of us.” I forgot how much I enjoyed the characters and the point and counterpoint of the dialog and action. The issues are current, the intrigue is smart and twisted, and I am getting back in the game having enjoyed #12 in the Myron Bolitar series.

It was better than helpful being reintroduced to the characters that I had come to know so well and see them in their new iterations. Hard to put down, lots of curves in the road and not so deft deflections of serious physical harm. Will Myron and Win survive to #13 - and that is a real question that is left unanswered and making me want more. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a copy.

Harlan Coben is an auto read for me. Although this was my first of the Myron Bolitar series. As usual, Coben is a masterful modern writer and the twists and turns are delightful. All of his books have a TV/movie feel and I picture that as I read them. This one makes me want to go back to the beginning of the Myron series and start them all. I will definitely recommend this one to others! Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a different book than the past Harlan Corban books I have read, however it was still a thriller and the least expected answers were given. Twists, turns and deception can accurately destibe this book. It was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Myron Bolitar is back in business, and back in print in Harlan Coben's latest, trying to figure out if his former friend and nemesis, Greg Downing, is still alive, having been ruled dead some years earlier, and whether he committed murder, or if not him, if he's really dead, who committed the murders.

In tow are Myron's sidekick Win, his former colleague Esmerelda, his current paramour Terese, his long ago paramour Emily and her and his and Greg's son Jeremy -- all characters who have had central roles in previous books in this series, Win fresh off his own starring role in the 2001 title "Win" (gotta love Win, we need more books starring Win!).

The story is a straightforward whodunit procedural as Myron and Win follow all the leads until they finally solve the murders, a little too straightforward, which is not only a little to simplistic for me but is a little too simplistic compared to most of Coben's plots. But it's still a fun read, as is almost always the case with Coben.

I've read quite a bit of Coben including many Bolitar books, but strangely I haven't read the books that previously featured Greg Downing. So I can safely say that this book can be read and appreciated without having a detailed knowledge of their past history -- the salient points are reviewed to satisfaction where needed.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for this honest review. Think Twice, I found, is a very good book, a welcome return to the Myron Bolitar series (in anticipation, I presume, of a forthcoming TV series). But it falls just short of the excellence that has made me a huge Harlan Coben fan.