Member Reviews
I have read other Harlan Coben books that I really enjoyed, but this was my first (and likely last) Myron Bolitar book. While I acknowledge that I haven’t gotten the full character development from the previous books in the series, I found Myron and Win insufferable. Their dialogue and inner monologues were so cringey they felt they were written by a teenage boy. The women characters weren’t much better as they were very clearly written with a male gaze in mind. Everything just seemed to be so easy for Myron and Win as if everyone was (unrealistically) at their beck and call. The main plot, a set up serial killer, had some promise, but it was completely ruined by the characters in this book. If you’re already a fan of this series then maybe this is for you, otherwise skip this and read one of Coben’s standalone books instead. (2/5)
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2024, this is one of my all time favorite authors and I absolutely love this series! It has been several years since we have gotten to see the crew together, and I have missed these characters so much. Because the stories are written with the characters aging in real time, it was great to catch up and see how things have changed and progressed for everyone. Per usual, the first sentence of this book sets the scene and draws you in. If you’re familiar with the series, you’ll recognize the name Greg Downing and the complicated history they share. The FBI approaches Myron, searching for Greg (who has been presumed dead for years) in connection to an active case. With questions and conspiracies surrounding them, Myron gets the gang back together to figure out what is really going on. This was quite a ride, and I loved every minute of it.
Three years ago, Myron Bolitar gave the eulogy at the funeral of Greg Downing, famous basketball coach, who was responsible, many years ago, for injuring Myron so he never got to play in the NBA. Now, the FBI thinks Greg is still alive and acting as a serial killer. Lots of twists and turns as Myron tracks down Greg, utilizing his contacts throughout the basketball world. And, what he finds out along with way will haunt him for a long time. It was great to visit with Big Cindy, Esperanza and, of course, Win. Always recommended reading.
I have read each and every book Harlan Coben has written. His standalones are great - but I have a soft spot for Myron Bolitar and his friend Windsor Horne Lockwood III aka Win. Think Twice partners up the two again.
Things start off with a curious prologue. A man who died three years ago has just left his fingerprints at a crime scene. How can that be? The FBI comes knocking on Myron's door to ask the same question...
The plotting is impeccable and there's no way you're going to suss out the answer to the question of whodunit. There are twists and revelations along the way that change the direction of the investigation many times. The ending is edge of your seat, nail biting good. I loved being along for the ride as Win and Myron stay one step ahead of the FBI - and others. The two of them have each other's back. The dialogue between Win and Myron is short, snappy and a heck of lot of fun to read.
There are a lot of supporting players - some good, some of them not so much. I'm happy to say though, that Esperanza and Big Cyndi are back as well. We also hear from a mystery person in chapters that are chilling.
A satisfying read that I finished far too soon. More please! An easy five stars from this reader.
Myron Bolitar returns along with many of the characters from earlier books - most notably best friend Win Lockwood,. Three years earlier, Myron gave a eulogy for a former client with whom he had a history, basketball coach Greg Downing. Downing was involved in the incident that ended Myron’s pro basketball career before it started, but he had become a client of Myron’s sports agency. Out of the blue, two FBI agents approach Myron demanding to know where Downing was - he is suspected of killing two people based on his DNA having been found at the crime scene. How can that be? Myron brings Win and a former associate now with the FBI in and they soon believe that all is not what it seems to be. Is Greg really alive? And what is really going on?
This is the 12th book in the Myron Bolitar series - and the first since 2016. It is classic Coben and classic Bolitar - lots of twists in the plot, lots of characters, and lots of humor. In fact, the plot was so complex that I sometimes had to sit back and think about who was who and what was what. The ending was pulse pounding and not expected. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Hooray, Myron Bolitar is back!! It is a pleasure to revisit the world of Myron Bolitar in Think Twice, the new thriller by Harlan Coben.
Myron has reopened his celebrity and sports rep agency in NYC. The Feds come to call, telling him his former basketball rival and also client, Greg Downing, is suspected of committing two recent murders. The catch—Greg has been dead for three years!
Myron feels obligated to investigate, since Greg was a client, and he enlists the help of wealthy, sardonic, absolutely best buddy Win Lockwood. It turns out they are going down a deep rabbit hole involving gangsters, revenge, racketeering and a possible serial killer. As in all MB books, the action is nonstop, the plot is artfully woven and the motivations complex. The concluding chapters are gut-wrenching and emotional.
The best part of MB novels, in my opinion, is the cast of characters. Myron has a strong moral compass, great humanity and integrity in an often gritty drama. He is a caring son to his Mom and Dad, who add family warmth and humor to the story. The supporting cast—Terese, Big Cyndi, Esperanza, and Hester Crimstine—all return and enrich the narrative. But it is Win, and Myron’s relationship with him, that elevates the story from ordinary suspense to something much more. Their long-time friendship, loyalty to each other, and witty repartee while on the case exponentially increases the enjoyment factor of a sometimes dark and sad story.
Think Twice can be read as a stand-alone, but reading earlier entries in the series will be enlightening as to the nuances of these characters and their relationships.
Coben is a masterful storyteller whose witty prose and ability to articulate the human condition makes this a superb novel and thriller.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
This is my fourth book by this author and the first in this series and normally I wouldn’t really jump into a series this far in the game but I did really want to read this one and I’m really glad I did
There are a lot of relationships and history in this series - the first book was published in 2006 - if you have time you can certainly start at the beginning I would recommend it as there is a lot I would love to know about these characters - even though that really didn’t impact my enjoyment of this book and I doubt I would go back to the beginning knowing where some of the relationships are now …
This is a fast paced action packed story with a lot of witty dialog - which I love. It was hard to put down
4.5 ⭐️
I have missed Myron and was glad to see his return after 8 years. Myron is a good man with a bit of a savior complex who gets drawn into a serial killer case along with his son Jeremy and of course Win and Esperanza. There are also some appearances by his parents which are quite funny. Enjoyable and i hope Myron is back again soon.
given a copy by NetGalley opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, as it captivated me from beginning to end. Harlan Coben has established himself as one of the most skilled authors in consistently crafting gripping thrillers. The intriguing murder case and the unexpected connections that unfolded kept me engrossed, eagerly turning the pages. The plot twists and surprises continued to unfold, building suspense until the very last page. This thrilling novel is a must-read that should not be overlooked.
Thank you to Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
I am a huge harlen coben fan and I tried, I really thought this would be an obvious book that I wouldn't be able to put down... but I was wrong. Dnf at 20%
I'm a huge fan of the Myron Bolitar series. I love Myron's witty humor and his relationships with his parents, Win, and Esperanza. This book comes about 30 years after the first book in the series was written and Coben has chosen to age the characters, so we see bits of the aging sprinkled throughout - a bit slower, more wrinkles, more mature, and Myron's parents have moved to a Florida retirement community, playing pickleball of course.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, however, I personally recommend reading other books in the series to get more of the backstory. Think Twice brings back Myron's old college nemesis, Greg Downing, who died 3 years ago... or so he thought. When 2 FBI agents come to Myron's door asking where Greg is, Myron is confused. Greg's DNA was found at a murder scene. How did it get there? Is Greg alive? Myron and Win are on the case! This book becomes a thrill ride as more secrets come out and the twists keep coming.
I like how the POV in this book changes. I feel like it's different than past books, which are told only from the third person narrative (Myron). In this book, we get first, second, and third, so it's a bit of a mix, but I enjoyed it all. Harlan Coben is a mystery book master - he's clever with the twists and loves throwing the reader off.
Myron and Win are up to their necks again in their newest case. When a client’s DNA shows up at a murder scene, they are more than a bit dumbfounded, after all, their client has been dead for ten years! Is he really dead? From there the prose is rapid paced and the case is bigger than imagined as they try to connect the dots, keep themselves and their loved ones safe all while trying to solve the intriguing case. As always, Coben’s beloved characters take us on an edge of your seat wild ride, one that might just leave you shocked by the end! Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Book 12 when Myron & Win come together again. Please note, you do not need to read in order. Harlan Coben does a wonderful job with making each book feel like a standalone. He gives enough background to peek your interest about the other books. However, I appreciate character development and history of the characters and glad I read them in order.
My review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. It was faced pace and with all Harlan’s books you think you have it figured it (trust me you don’t). Two Federal Agents appear at Myron’s office inquiring about Greg Downing who passed away. Myron should know because he attended the funeral. If Greg’s dead then why is his DNA present at a murder scene? Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose (or is there). All the murders appear open and shut. The evidence against the accuse is compelling. Maybe it’s too compelling. Listen, read “Fool Me Twice.” It kept me wanting & needing to know how it all would come together. Great read and I can’t wait to see if they’ll be a book 13.
This is an exciting new addition to Coben's collection of suspense novels featuring NBA Basketball player turned sports agent, Myron Bolitar. This exciting new novel puts a unique spin on the serial killer genre. It also delves deeper than any other Bolitar novel into the main character's background including the injury that sidelined his NBA career. Even if you have never read another Bolitar novel, there is enough background provided that you can still enjoy this one, but if you are a fan of the series you're especially going to love this one.
Think Twice is book 12 in the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben. It brings us back to the world of Win Lockwood and Myron Bolitar and it feels good!. Myron has started his sports agency back up and represents athletes and celebrities. Myron is shocked when 2 federal agents show up demanding to know where Greg Downing is? Downing was a former client of Myron's before he died of cancer. Myron attended his funeral and that's the last he had heard of Greg. The agents want to find Downing as they say he is connected to the murders of the Callister's.
As Myron and Win investigate they find that Downing made some curious financial moves before his death. Downing's DNA is found at a murder scene and he is connected to another murder. Is Greg Downing really alive? Why didn't he tell Myron? Why would Downing fake his own death? Greg Downing was a former NBA player and coach. He also happened to be the person who ended Myron's NBA career with a career ending injury. Myron forgave him and took him on as a client. These murders can't really be tied to Greg, can they? Is someone trying to make it look like Greg is alive while they murder people?
As Myron and Win interview people related to Greg, someone is watching closely. The danger is close and ready to strike if they get too close. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Think Twice. There are many twists that will keep you guessing even after you think you know the killer. Another fantastic addition to the Myron Bolitar series. I rate Think Twice 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of Think Twice in exchange for a fair review. Think Twice is now available and should not be missed. #ThinkTwice
Harlan Coben never disappoints!
Myron Bolitar is back with his usual cast of characters that we have grown to love.
When a former super model and her son are murdered and the DNA of Myron’s former opponent on and off the basketball court is found, Myron gets involved because there is one big problem. His former opponent has been dead for more than three years so how is his DNA at a murder scene.
Fast-paced, page-turning and many twists and turns define the masterful storytelling of Harlan Coben. Five huge stars for another amazing book!!!
Only problem is now I have to wait an entire year for another Harlan Coben book!!!
Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the chance to review and review this book.
Novel Suspects through NetGalley hooked me up with Harlan Coben's THINK TWICE! Published today, May 14th, go grab this intense and fantastic story!
As per my expectations, I was sucked into into the mystery of a dead client of Myron Bolitar being a suspect in a recent double homicide. He and his partner Win are pulled into an intense cat-and-mouse game where the threat edges ever closer.
I am a big fan of Coben's and this one had me scratching my head while viciously turning pages (or tapping the screen as it were). I appreciated all the personal aspects of Myron and Win's partnership as well as the relationship between Myron and his wife, and his son. Those parts, scattered amongst the tense action, gave a reprieve and deepened my understanding and connection to Myron. I also absolutely love the dialog and banter between characters. It is entertainment in its finest!
I definitely recommend this thriller! If you haven't brushed up on this particular detective, don't worry. There is enough information to read it as a stand alone.
4.5 Stars
I don’t remember if I’ve read a book with Myron Bolitar before but I thoroughly enjoyed reading THINK TWICE and getting to know Myron. He was a very relatable and good guy character with a dry sense of humor, and his parents were a hoot. The plot was super suspenseful, and it was very much a plot driven novel more so than character driven. It was pretty fast paced, and didn’t have any dry spots. I loved how the book kept me guessing, and it went in the direction that I didn’t see coming. I was also fooled as to who the culprit was, which is always a good thing. I would recommend this book to all lovers of thrillers and suspense!
Myron Bolitar is back, and Harlan Coben will make you feel some things in Think Twice. Three years after his death, Greg Downing’s DNA is found at a crime scene. What transpires will test your crime-solving ability while keeping your shit together.
I can almost promise you you will not figure out the ending. I was convinced I had it figured out. Not even close. In typical Coben fashion, he gives the reader multiple threads that somehow become one over 400 pages. What wasn’t so typical were the emotions Coben pulled from my eyes. He hits you right in the feels. so be fore-warned, unless you have no soul.
I’ve had women my entire life tell me, “Less is more.” It never clicked till I met Windsor Lockwood, III. Win is one of the greatest characters in this realm, and Coben always — always— leaves you wanting more of Win.
The pressure Coben must have felt bringing Myron and Win back and doing them justice must have been great, and he nailed it.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Think Twice.
Myron Bolitar and Windsor Horne Lockwood III reunite to find a dead man come back to life in this gripping thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Will Find You.
Former basketball star Myron Bolitar has barely restarted his agency for sports stars and celebrities when two federal agents walk into his office, asking for answers. Assuming they want to talk about the highly publicized Callister murders—of which he and Win know nothing, other than what's been saturating the news lately—he's stunned when, instead, they demand to know where Greg Downing is.
Greg, a former NBA player-turned-beloved-coach, was an old client of Myron’s, one of his very first. The reason for Myron's surprise is simple: Greg Downing died three years ago.
But according to these federal agents, Greg is still alive—and somehow involved in the Callister case.
Before his death, Greg made some strange money moves, but nothing about his reappearance makes any sense. As Myron and Win investigate, they're also surprised to uncover a seemingly related case where someone was murdered. Then another. And another. Is Greg alive? And if he is, where is he? And ultimately, are they looking for Greg? Or are they looking for a dangerously clever serial killer?
This is the 12th book in the series. It is a fast-paced action packed story with twist after twist. It has an intriguing plot with characters that we have been following throughout the series. The whole gang is back, Myron, Win, Esperanza, Big Cyndi, Terese and Ellen. Federal agents show up and want to know where Greg Downing is. Myron and Win told them that Greg has been dead for three years. The ending was quite a surprise and I won't spoil it but you have to promise me that you will read this book. If you like surprised endings in you crime thrillers than you will love this book. I'm looking forward to the next book from Harlan Coben as I think he is a great writer.