Nobody’s Fool; detective Sammy Kierce book 2 by Harlan Coben, I usually love the intelligent stories written by Mr. Coben but unfortunately I was only intrigued with the mystery in this book despite many glaring irritations about the main character Sammy. at first he seemed like cobens normal grumpy yet likable protagonist but he was not only grumpy he was rude irritating and seemed not to care about anything except what was in front of his face. For example he tells us about how his baby doesn’t sleep well and how his wife is so tired and yet when he gets a call he sees no problem waking her up for something that could’ve clearly waited until later but no he wants to go so he wakes her up to 10 to the baby. Not only that when he went to see poor dying Patricia he was so angry at her son that when this dying woman went to reach for her water glass he wouldn’t even help her… You showed her Sammy. not to mention in the beginning he talks about how they’re financially struggling yet he got time to go ride out to the country to spend at the very least $800 so this homeless woman could get a phony infusion just so he could speak to the neighbors of Victoria. despite all that I did love his lawyer arthur and his Sherlock Holmes class both of which we didn’t see nearly enough. If you’re looking for the authors lovable protagonist Whitty dialogue and great mystery in the words of the singer Meat Loaf two out of three ain’t bad.#NetGalley, #HarlanCoben, #Nobody’sFool, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

I enjoyed getting to know each character. This is my first Harlan Coben book, and now I get the love! The way he untwined love, family dynamics and history. Loved it

This was my first Harlan Coben and I really enjoyed it. It was well-written and an interesting story. It did take me a little while to get used to our narrator breaking the fourth wall, but it also brought the reader into the story.

I liked that the characters were multi-dimensional. They did things were questionable or down right wrong, but their reasons made sense and they were all flawed. Our main character even calls himself out a couple of times.

I was not expecting the whole reveal at the end or the twist that really brought the story together and answered some of my final questions. It was fun to be surprised. There were still a couple things at the end that didn't really make sense to me, but I was able to suspend my disbelief and overlook those things.

I received an audio copy narrated by Vikas Adam and thought it was very well done. His voice was well-suited to the story and was never overdone. The narration really drew me in.

I look forward to reading more by Coben in the future. I will start by going back to read Fool Me Once!

This is my first Harlan Coben book so I went in blindly. I’m not sure if I needed to read the first book in the series before this, as it was referenced a few times. It was a twisty mystery but almost a few too many twists. I found myself at the end still confused and playing catch up on who was this person and how did that scenario fit in. It was almost too complicated, that at the end I didn’t feel like it all came together. It was entertaining and definitely kept me wanting to know what happened next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nobody’s fool

An engaging thriller with detective Sami again! I loved Fool me Once, but this one fell a little flat for me. It just seemed to drag and I was looking for something more fast paced.

Audiobook narration was great. Lots of twists and turns if you’re looking for a twisty thriller, look no further!

Hard to write a summary without spoilers ! 😬

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Release date 3/25/25.

Harlan Coben's "Nobody's Fool," particularly as an audiobook, is more than just a thrilling mystery; it's an immersive journey into the complexities of family, secrets, and the enduring power of hope, even when cloaked in deceit. The audiobook format amplifies Coben's already masterful storytelling, leveraging the narrator's voice to breathe life into the characters and heighten the suspense. This is a story anchored in the familiar, seemingly safe suburban landscape, yet rapidly unraveling to expose a tapestry of interconnected lies and unexpected alliances. The character of Hester Crimstein, a beloved figure in Coben's universe, takes center stage, drawing listeners into a vortex of familial drama. Her son, a presumed deceased Vietnam veteran, reappears, upending Hester's life and forcing her to confront buried truths. The audiobook medium allows for a nuanced portrayal of Hester's emotional journey, the narrator expertly conveying her initial disbelief, followed by hesitant hope, and ultimately, fierce protectiveness. The listener feels the weight of Hester's years, the lingering sorrow of loss, and the burgeoning excitement of a second chance at motherhood. Beyond the core mystery of Hester's son's reappearance, Coben masterfully interweaves a parallel narrative concerning a string of disappearances in the area, further escalating the tension and broadening the scope of the investigation. The interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events is a hallmark of Coben's writing, and the audiobook format underscores this by allowing the listener to seamlessly track the shifting perspectives and intricate relationships that drive the plot. The subtle inflections of the narrator's voice delineate characters, allowing the listener to intuitively grasp the web of connections and suspicions that pervade the story. The brilliance of "Nobody's Fool" lies not just in the intricate plot twists and unexpected revelations, but in its exploration of human vulnerabilities and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. The audiobook elevates this aspect, as the narrator's intonation conveys the emotional turmoil simmering beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. We are not merely told about the characters' pain, their fear, their desperation; we *feel* it alongside them. In conclusion, "Nobody's Fool" in audiobook form is a compelling and emotionally resonant experience. Harlan Coben's skillful storytelling, combined with the immersive nature of the audio format, makes for a gripping narrative that lingers long after the final chapter. It's a testament to the power of the spoken word, and a reminder that even in the darkest of mysteries, the light of hope can still flicker, guiding us toward the truth.

This book really lost its steam for me. I was super interested in the beginning and then around 30-50% I started losing interest. It didn't pick back up until the very end and by the time that I got there I found myself significantly less invested in the story.

I thought the writing was cohesive and easy to read, but the pacing and overall story is where I think I struggled with this one. Something about this just didn't resonate with me.

I thought the narrator did a fantastic job though. This was a very pleasing narration to listen to. Good pace, good tone, and good clarity.

This book wasn't bad but it honestly just missed the mark for me. I do think it's worth picking up though.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Nobody’s Fool is another solid thriller from Harlan Coben. It’s fast-paced, full of twists, and keeps you hooked the whole way through. The main character is flawed but likable, and the mix of suspense and humor works well. Some parts were a bit predictable, but overall, it’s a great read for thriller fans!

Thank you for the ARC. I listened to this audiobook. At first, it was strange to listen to as the narrators voice sounds like the character Bobs Burger.

I didn’t read the first in the series but this was fine as a stand alone. I didn’t expect the final twists at the end for sure.

This was my first Harlan Coben novel, and maybe not the wisest choice to start with as it’s technically #2 in a series. It actually read as a standalone book pretty well, but I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first, Fool Me Once, beforehand.

The plot and the pacing both kept me interested throughout the book, but I kind of saw the twist coming early on - I knew what it was, but not exactly how/why. So I was a little disappointed it was that easy. But another aspect did surprise me, and I liked how the book ended.

𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Lovers of popcorn thrillers, crime thrillers, or mystery thrillers.

𝑨 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:
I liked the narrator for this. Somehow his voice just fits for this type of book!

Harlan Coben once again delivers a masterclass in suspense with Nobody’s Fool, a gripping detective thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This dark and twist-filled mystery follows the search for the missing Victoria, unraveling layers of deception, secrets, and unexpected betrayals along the way.

Coben’s signature storytelling shines through with a complex yet engaging plot that constantly keeps you guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the novel delivers a shocking twist that upends every assumption. The intricate web of lies and hidden motives make this a deeply immersive read, and the sheer number of secrets woven into the narrative will leave readers piecing things together long after the final page.

For fans of suspenseful detective fiction, Nobody’s Fool is a must-read. It’s an expertly crafted thriller that blends tension, intrigue, and emotional depth, proving once again why Coben is a master of the genre.

Fast paced and thrilling, full of twists and turns, Nobody’s Fool is an another impossible to put down rollercoaster-ride-until-the-end thriller by Harlan Coben!

Second in the series this could easily be read/listened to as a stand alone.

The narration by Vikas Adam was perfect.

Disgraced former cop turned private investigator Sami Kierce is a man with a past and also a with a lot to hide…

His past comes back to haunt him when he observes his dead former girlfriend from two decades ago. It’s just not possible because he’s believed for most of his life that he caused her death. Except he’s sure it’s her. So sure that he’s determined to not only track her down but also confront the past and seek the truth of what happened all those years ago…

Wow! Lots going on in this book! This is certainly a creative mystery/thriller but the story is so convoluted that I actually thought it was “too much”. I do appreciate creative and complex plots and have enjoyed this author before but I just didn’t like the “over the top” nature of this book. I’m not that great at predicting whodunnits and absolutely nothing is as it seems in this novel. I’m sure many readers will enjoy this complexity but it didn’t hit the mark for me. There are so many characters and storylines that I wished I had written down names and descriptions as I listened to the audiobook. I did really enjoy some of the humor in the story and the characters were very diverse and interesting. In spite of the convoluted plot, I would have rated the book itself at 4 stars. However, I chose the audiobook and thought that the narrator was not so good so I have to bring the rating down. The voices were not done well at all, especially the women. Some of the voice inflections were downright annoying. I listen to at least two audiobooks per week so have experience with good narrators who don’t distract from the story but listening to this book was difficult. I would definitely recommend reading it instead of listening.

Classic Harlan Coben! You always know going into one of his novels that it'll take you on a ride. Nobody's Fool was an incredibly intricate and well written story. The narrator on the audiobook version was so fantastic that I literally got lost in it for hours. 5 huge stars and a must-read/listen.

BOOK REVIEW

Thank you to @hachetteaudio for my ALC for Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben.

I was really excited about this as I have enjoyed many of Coben’s books in the past. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.

Let me start by saying that I didn’t realize this was book two in a series until I finished. Because of this, I felt as though the MC, Sami, was sort of underdeveloped, and there were many moments where I felt I had missed something.

Because of this, I would say it is not able to be read as a stand alone.

I really liked the idea of a retired Cop (who was actually kicked out of the force) teaching a private investigator course to old people and influencers, but the actual “thriller / mystery” portion of this one felt very shark jumpy to me, which surprised me as I am normally such a fan of Coben.

I will also say, I wasn’t a fan of the narrator. He did weird, demeaning voices for some of the female character and I struggled to look past that.

Who is an author who normally hits for you but that recently missed?

Title: Nobody’s Fool
Series: Detective Sami Kierce #2
Author: Harlan Coben
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Vikas Adams
Publisher: Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: March 25, 2025
My Rating: 4.2 Stars
Pages 352

Detective Sami Kierce's college days comes back to haunt him

I met Sami Kierce in [book: Fool Me Once|26109394]. He was born and raised in New Jersey, and his parents are from Pakistani heritage. Sami is fluent in Spanish and a bit of rule-bender when it comes to seeking justice.
When Sami graduate college about twenty-years ago, he went on a trip to Spain and met Anna
He wakes up and finds Anna dead and he has a knife in his hand. It seems she was killed by her jealous ex-lover but sure doesn’t look that way!

Fast forward a few years and Sami Kierce is an ex-New York cop teaching when Anna turns up in one of his classes, and of course quickly disappears

Now Sami is now dealings with court cases, without pay. Taking photos of cheating spouses.

He is married to Molly and they have a baby son, Henry. Additionally he is teaching a course in
Criminology on the Lower East Side, training amateur sleuths.

[author: Harlan Coben|24689] is without a doubt one of my “fav” authors. This is novel #35 for me! I went into this expecting his clever wit and great storytelling but have to admit it wasn’t exactly like reading a typical Harlan Coben that I know and love. Perhaps I was expecting another Myron Bolitar however Sami is Sami and not Myron!
I know Coben is a great story teller and doesn’t disappoint. So I needed to hang in there. Plus narrator Vikas Adams was great at performing the characters!

Want to thank NetGalley and Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 25, 2025.

Such a great book! I highly recommend it! I have never read anything by this author before and now I’m hooked. From the very first page I was absolutely drawn into this book! There’s so many twists and turns. So many mysteries and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I listened to the audiobook and it was very good. It made it seem like I was apart of the book. The narrator was very good at his work, he played all his parts perfectly I could picture the people really well. I think this book would be good chosen either way to be read or by audio! All in all I definitely recommend this book and author to everyone! And will be reading more by him.

Harlan Coben, the master of thrillers, returns triumphantly with his highly anticipated (Detective Sami Kierce Series), following the success of his bestselling thriller and #1 Netflix series, Fool Me Once #1.

Now, he unveils the next chapter in this gripping saga with NOBODY'S FOOL (#2). In this unputdownable thriller, a long-buried secret from former Detective Sami Kierce's college days in Spain resurfaces, threatening to shatter his present. His past is about to catch up with him in the most unexpected way…

About...

2025 New York City: Sami Kierce is now a disgraced detective and PI teaching night classes in New York City. He sees her in his classroom: Anna. He could never forget her face. Could she be alive and here in New York City? Is he hallucinating?

The Anna he knew was 20-ish, and this woman was in her mid-forties. She does not have long auburn hair like before, but she is short, blonde, and wears glasses. Is she in disguise? It can't be her. It makes no sense.

He believed she was dead twenty-five years ago in Spain. The woman who has tormented him for years. He reaches out. She flees. He is determined to locate this woman and unravel the enigma that has haunted him incessantly.

2000 Málaga, Spain: Sami is backpacking in Spain with friends and wakes up one morning covered in blood with a knife in his hand. Beside him is the body of a woman, Anna. DEAD. He does not know what happened. He still hears the echo of his screams.

After he reported, he ran. His hopes of becoming a doctor ended, and he dropped out of medical school, drank, and became a cop, then that ended.

After all this time, Sami's investigation will bring him face-to-face with his past—and prove that he's NOBODY's FOOL. Some secrets should stay buried!

My thoughts...

Harlan Coben, the King of this genre, in a category of his own and a long-time favorite, is back with another showstopper, NOBODY'S FOOL. A master storyteller, no one does it better! Detective Sami Kierce takes center stage with more action than you can imagine!

An action-packed, fast-paced, heart-pounding suspense full of thrills, intrigue, mystery, plot twists, turns, and shockers with plenty of humor. As always, this is an unputdownable series.

Sami is a great character; when his past meets the present, it is explosive. He finds himself in a mystery with secrets, lies, and plenty of danger. You feel for him as a disgraced detective, teaching and, as always, a rule bender who wants justice, and he has the worst luck.

His lover, Nicole, was murdered (his fiancée). He got kicked off the force for messing up big-time. He is working for a high-end white-shoe Manhattan law firm and not getting paid. He is being sued by the family of a high school kid named PJ Dawson. Whit Shaw represents him in exchange for his working jobs off the books following cheaters (divorces).

He is happily married to Molly and has a baby, Henry. He also teaches a night class named Academy Night Adult School on the Lower East Side, a group of amateur sleuths.

His criminology class and characters are a riot! The Pink Panthers (three women in their 70s - think Golden Girls); Debbie the Goddess (the Daddy tactics are hilarious); Instagram influencers who started true-crime podcast gals called Three Dead Hots; Hex, who wears gray sweatpants with matching hoodie and wants to solve his aunt's murder from 1982; Golfer Gary who wears ironed polo shirts with logos from ritzy clubs; and Leisure Suit Lenny (show n tell) with his mysterious gadgets and tracking devices. And Raymond.

Please continue this series and Netflix! I cannot wait to see The Pink Panthers and the others on screen and who they cast.

There is a whirlwind of action as Sami endeavors to piece together the puzzle to track down this woman who could be Anna and a mystery that spans decades.

Plus, in another storyline, which is also intriguing, his ex-fiancée's convicted killer is being released from prison, claiming innocence, and wants Sami to team up with him to find the real murderer.

Needless to say, Kierce has a lot on his plate! Get ready for a wild ride, and hang on. It is a doozy! Now, the million-dollar question? When😉 is #3 coming? Harlan, between all you have going on, I hope the next one is in the works.

Audiobook...

The audio version was a treat, narrated by the sexy and mega-talented Vikas Adam, a classically trained actor with numerous credits in stage, film, commercials, and television, in addition to his 200+ audiobooks. He's established himself as one who creates versatile, distinct, and clear voices for the characters he embodies. Vikas adds flair, humor, and plenty of drama, making an ideal choice for NOBODY'S FOOL, further elevating the story with great characterization for all voices. Highly entertaining!

In summary, if you're a fan of Harlan Coben, you simply can't miss Nobody's Fool. Get ready for a rollercoaster of suspense, action, and a shocking twist that will leave you reeling.

Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for a gifted advance reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: March 25, 2025
March 2025 Must-Read Books
March Newsletter

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Harlan Coben, wonderfully narrated by Vikas Adam. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

When Sami Kierce was in college, he took a fateful backpacking trip with friends to Spain. Then he woke up one morning, covered in blood with a knife in his hand, and his girlfriend's body lying next to him. He runs. Decades later, Sami is now a private investigator, married with a young child. He's also teaching night school to wannabe investigators when one evening, he recognizes Anna at the back of his classroom. As soon as they make eye contact, she runs. Sami knows he must find her to understand the nightmare that has haunted him since Spain.

While this is the second in the Detective Sami Kierce series, I somehow missed that one, although I must admit I saw the Netflix series. But it’s easily read as a standalone, so don’t hesitate. There’s a lot going on in this one, with a big timeline and multiple mysteries, but it’s Harlan Coben so you know he pulls it off in grand style. This is written as though Sami is talking to the reader, a style I enjoy for I feel like it pulls me into the book as a participant and not just an observer. There are plenty of twists and reveals, along with Coben’s humorous moments. I ended up mostly listening to this one on audiobook and thought the narration was perfect.

What a CRAZY ride!
If you like suspense…. And NEVER being able to figure out the twists… then look no further! You have found your match!

Sami Kierce has just graduated from college, and has been accepted to medical school. A dream he’s had for years!
But before he starts, he sets out on an adventure with a group of friends, in Spain.
And once he meets Anna, well, his plans change. Until one morning he wakes up covered in her blood! 😮

His father tells him to GET HOME! NOW!! And so, he does….

Fast forward 20+ years. He’s married with a child. He was a police officer, but lost his job.
Now he’s an investigator, AND, he teaches sleuthing at night school…
Then one day his whole world changes, as he sees Anna walk into his classroom… but as soon as their eyes meet…she RUNS!!!

And so the mystery begins…
And what a story it is!
In order for Kierce to get to the bottom of it, he must go back to the beginning!!!
At the same time, he must protect himself, his wife and his baby!!!

#NobodysFool by #HarlanCoben and narrated beautifully by #VikasAdam.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!!
Be sure to put on your seatbelt! Or else, you’ll have whiplash with all the twists!!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HachetteAudio and #GrandCentralPublishing for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
*** Release date is March 25, 2025 so look 👀 for it on shelves soon !! ***

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