Harlan Coben introduces sports agent, lawyer, sleuth, and thirty-something, ex-jock Myron Bolitar in this fast-moving mystery. His supporting cast primarily consists of his office manager, a Latino female ex-pro wrestler, and Win, an upper-crust blue-blood whose blond, wholesome looks hides a lethal mean streak.

The book starts simply enough: Myron is negotiating a first contract with a pro football team for a prized college quarterback. But a call to the quarterback supposedly from an old girlfriend who disappeared under mysterious circumstances a couple of years earlier starts a rapid-fire series of events that leads into the crime world, pornography, and academia.

The book's strength is the rapid pace of events that keeps the reader just enough off balance to maintain interest. One could not say that the book is from the school of realism. The characters are quickly drawn with exaggerated features, be they beauty, acumen, meanness, etc. Broader culture insights are minimally drawn. But that is not what this book is about.

The book is a good start in a series of Myron Bolitar mysteries. For entertaining, quick reads I will look to the next books in the series.

You have to read the book to get the humor in my review title...

The first in the "Myron Bolitar" series, DEAL BREAKER is the perfect start. Bolitar, a college basketball star turned sports' agent,... has just landed his best prospect, rookie quarterback, Christian Steele. While negotiating his contract, Christian gets a phone call from his assumed-to-be-dead fiance... Throw in a mob contract on Myron's head, and you have one entertaining read.

The storyline is forever twisting, but Coben never suspends reality. The plot is always believable and never farfetched. Each character is incredibly well-developed, and the group meshes together quite well. This first book serves to introduce this wonderful cast of people that will be in other "Bolitar" books.

What makes Coben's books so enjoyable is the dialogue between the characters. Myron is incredibly witty, and he clearly rubs off on all the other characters in the book. It adds a much greater human element to the novel, which allows the cogent storyline to develop exceptionally well, and keep the reader forever guessing.

This is an excellent book that was truly hard to put down. The writing is sensational, and it is quite clear that Coben puts a lot of thought into each storyline. The suspense, alone, is great, making the book that much better.

The first book in Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar novels, DEAL BREAKER is a great example of everything one could possibly want with a mystery novel. Unlike many less accomplished mystery authors, it is obvious that Coben actually works backwards, so that readers are given a plot that actually makes sense, whereas some authors convey the feeling that the culprit was merely selected out of a hat. Coben's Edgar Award winning writing is top notch. Moving from more serious subjects to the tongue-in-cheek "Myronisms," Coben is an incredibly versatile author.

Myron Bolitar is a star college basketball player turned Fed turned sports agent who has just landed his first big client, top rookie prospect quarterback Christian Steele. Everything is going fine until Kathy, his assumed-to-be-murdered ex-girlfriend, calls him on the phone. It's all downhill from there, as Myron and his associates are thrust into the dark world of the sports business. DEAL BREAKER introduces the incredibly diverse cast that makes up Myron's world. From Myron, to the egotistical, elitist Win, to the beautiful ex-wrestler Esperanza, to fiery writer Jessica Culver, Coben's cast of characters is completely three-dimensional.

With excellent plot, characters, romance, and humor, DEAL BREAKER is one of the best mystery novels out there today.

Myron Bolitar is nominally a sports agent, but spends most of his time investigating murders and missing persons cases. Myron is joined by his friend Win in the investigation of a murder involving the star player of a new basketball league; Myron and Win are ex-college roommates and ex-government agents. The usual Bolitar cast of characters are also present in the novel, including Esperanza and Jessica, the most important women in Myron's life. Harlan Coben knows how to write snappy, witty dialogue, and adds good local New Jersey color. Several plot points may remind readers of an earlier Bolitar novel, DROP SHOT, but it is the interaction between the characters that makes the book, not the whodunnit aspects.

Harlan Coben is the best mystery writer in the business. Enough said. This fifth book, as well as the other incredible novels, in the Myron Bolitar series is simply sensational.

Myron Bolitar, the college basketball stud-turned fed-turned sports' agent (not to mention the latest star in the upcomming Yoo-Hoo commercial), is back again for another wild adventure. ONE FALSE MOVE is Myron's "darkest" tale to date. On the brink of starting a Women's Professional Basketball League, Brenda Slaughter, the hottest star has been getting threatening phone calls. In being called in to provide protection, Myron becomes her agent, but the adventure is just beginning. Her mother has been missing for twenty years, and her father turns up dead, only to have her as the prime suspect. Throw in the mafia Ache brothers, crooked politicians, and a new leader of Myron's biggest competition, and you have yourself one amazing novel.

All of the standard characters are back, including the ever-popular psycho-yuppie Win, the sizzling Esperanza Diaz, who is slowly but surely gaining her voice in the series, the sensational girlfriend Jessica Culver, Myron's parents, "El-Al" Bolitar, and "Big Chief Mama" herself, Big Cyndi. Let's never forget to use the "Big!"

As in all of Coben's books, the witty dialogue makes the novel that is already so cohesively complete with an excellent storyline and a wonderfully detailed, yet unique writing style, that much better. There are always a multitude of plot twists, and the suspense of the whodunnit mystery is apparent to the very last chapter of the book. ONE FALSE MOVE keeps you guessing throughout, making for one entertaining and exciting read. This book is a winner. Case closed!

Sports agent extraordinaire Myron Bolitar is coerced into body-guarding Brenda Slaughter, the star player of the Women's National Basketball Association. Brenda's father has mysteriously disappeared just as her mother did twenty years ago. Convinced the two are linked, Myron goes back to his hometown just a stone's throw from Brenda's home. Soon Myron is immeshed in politics, buried secrets, and, most distressing of all, implications that his own father is somehow involved. Meanwhile, his live-in love Jessica has announced she wants a two coast relationship; Esperanza, his right hand at MB Sports, demands a full partnership or she walks; and Big Cyndi is back as receptionist to scare away the clients. Luckily his best friend Win is as reserved and deadly as ever. With the skill of a concert pianist Coben plays your emotions from grins to grimaces with the finale equal to the 1812 Overture. A cast of extraordinary characters, an emotional roller coaster, a masterpiece of a plot, and wonderfully, wicked humor assures there is not One False Move in Coben's latest.

In this 3rd Myron Bolitar mystery, Myron finally realises his dream of playing NBA basketball, although the circumstances aren't exactly how he would have expected to gain the start. As with all of the Myron Bolitar books, the tone is light while the content is actually a little more serious. The interplay between Myron and Win, and Myron and Esperanza is always a highlight of these books, and certainly doesn't disappoint in this one.

Myron is asked by the owner of the New Jersey Dragons to search for the missing star player, Greg Downing. Myron has a history with Downing, which plays a bit of a part with Myron being hired for the job. While searching for Downing, he can't let on to anyone that Downing is actually missing, making the job particularly difficult. His search uncovers numerous surprises, which threatens Myron's hard won acceptance of past failures.

This is a fast-paced thriller that continues on what is a very entertaining series. It's better to have read the earlier books, if only to get a better idea of how the characters have come to depend on each other and why they put up with their behaviour. It's also worth reading the others because they're all just plain enjoyable reading.

When Myron Bolitar, a sports rep and one time first round draft to the NBA, is signed on by the New Jersey Dragons it isn't so that he can make a comeback. In fact, Bolitar has been signed to track down his teammate and former arch-rival Greg Downing. What he doesn't know when he accepts the job is that far from being a simple missing persons case, this becomes a murder hunt. But, who is the victim, who killed her, what is their motive and, why is someone attempting to blackmail not only Greg, and the team but also Myron himself?

Full of twists and turns the third book in Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar series is also full of the usual witty dialogue. Although Myron is of course the protagonist in this story numerous appearances are made by other familiar characters, Jessica, Esperanza, Big Cyndi, Myron's parents and of course Win, and it's great to follow what's going on with them. Don't think that you have to have read the earlier Bolitar books to get into this though, it's a great stand alone novel but once you've read it I wouldn't be surprised if you wanted to read the rest.

I initially bought this book to pass time on a train journey but still found myself reading it that evening long after I was home and I finished it the following day. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery novel. If you're new to Coben I'd say read these great books and then don't miss his great thriller Tell No One.

series. Harlan Coben is at his best in this thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end. The internal conflicts of the characters are so evident and well desribed you feel as though they are real people. I love this series, and this would have to be my favorite one yet. And in no other book is Cobens humor more evident than this one. I have recommended this book to all my friends. So read it, already!

This is the first book by Coben that I have read not in the wonderful Myron Bolitar series. (If you are not a Bolitar fan, keep reading.)

It is a unique tear-jerker of a mystery. At some point, the main character's mother, old girlfriend and current girlfriend all die - two murdered one natural. All are wrapped up in his brother's possible run from justice. Like Coben's other novels, the plot twists and turns and takes the main character and the reader through the labyrinth together. In this book, Mr. Coben piles on layers of emotions tied to the deaths, both violent and natural.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this novel is that the main character can not and should not be referred to as the "hero." Unlike Grisham's novels where the amateurs always outsmart the professional killers, Will Klein is an admitted coward and keeps coming up on the short end of both the mental and physical battles he undertakes.

A great read. Different enough from the Bolitar series that those who might not have loved that character (I am not one of them) will enjoy this book; the style abnd fine writing are similar enough that Coben's fans will continue to enjoy him.

This was my first Coben book, so I can't compare it to "Tell No One." I cannot tell you if it's a rerun of his previous plots. I can tell you that this is a superb thriller.

Part thriller, fully a mystery, "Gone for Good" starts with Will Klein's discovery that his older brother is perhaps still alive. The questions mount: How did his brother die? Was he really guilty of murdering a teenage girl? And the answers come only quick enough to lead to other questions.

When you think there are no more questions, you're wrong.

When you think you have all the answers, you're wrong.

Coben writes with a deceptively easy style. He writes with a quick pace, yet never forgets to give his characters heart. I found myself caring for these people, even feeling emotions in my throat once or twice. He paints with a broad brush, showing rage, love, pain, sorrow, twisted violence, and family concern.

If you haven't read Coben, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book as much as I did. If you're already a fan, then why'd you keep this guy secret for so long?

I first became acquainted with the name Harlan Coben when I signed onto an Internet book list several years ago. At that time many of the readers were touting Coben's series, which featured Myron Bolitar, the feisty sports agent/private investigator. Although I never read any of these books, it was the premise of Coben's recent stand alone book, Tell No One, which interested me enough to read. Literally gulping down this book, I looked forward to either reading the first book in the Bolitar series or another stand alone by this author. And suddenly there was news of a new book, Gone for Good, which found me snatching it from the shelves the first day it appeared. Now, I consider Harlan Coben one of my favorite thriller/mystery author and I do look forward to making the acquaintance of Myrom Bolitar shortly.

Gone for Good is set in and around Manhattan and the suburban community of Livingston, NJ. Life in Livingston is presumably idyllic where children grow up thinking the world is theirs. But this isn't the case for the ----------family. Eleven years ago the oldest son Ken was accused of brutally murdering Julie Rogers, a neighbor and his brother's one time girlfriend. Feeling from the scene and his family, and while there have been unconfirmed sightings of him in different countries the family chooses to believe he is dead. That is until Sunny, Ken' smother dying from cancer tells her son Will that Ken is still very much alive. With nothing more than these words and then a revealing photo and also realizing that Sunny was on heavy medication before her death, Will decides this might be just enough to find out in fact if his brother is till alive. And while the plot certainly takes off from here, it certainly escalates when Will's girlfriend leaves him a cryptic note and then disappears leaving reader's to wonder if there is any connection between Sheila and Ken. And now the twist and turns come so fast and furiously that as you rush through the pages, you need to pay serious attention to the plot to keep up.

For all of the reasons I really enjoyed this book, not the least of them are Coben's wonderful characters. Beginning with Will and his family, we meet Ken's two old school buddies The Ghost and Phil McGuane, both violent men who will stop at nothing to protect themselves or their interests. We also meet Squares, a one time racist now turned Yoga guru who is more brother to Will than friend. From the seamier side of Manhattan, we meet Wanda, a transvestite who leads Will to Sheilah's former boss, Louis Castleman, an unsavory man who is now a quadriplegic and is care for by Wanda. And as we meet these characters We walk the mean streets of Manhattan and the tree lined streets of Livingston where Will and his father spend time reminiscing about Little League games, Ken and their family life.

This book is a hair-raising roller coaster of a read, which never lets up or disappoints the reader. Imbued with family values the book also explores the themes of friendship, loyalty and betrayal.
The ending can best be described as both shocking and poignant. From the first page to the last, you will be riveted and when the book ends you'll wish you were starting it for the first time.

Sorry I must hurry but I must get to the bookstore to pick up Deal Breaker, the first book in the Bolitar series. Writing this review has left me with a yearning to return to the books by Harlan Coben.

Myron Bolitar has messed up and run away to the Caribbean to try and escape his guilt. He told no one where he was going but three weeks later Win has tracked him down and Myron realises that this can only mean one thing, trouble.

Esperanza, Myron's close friend and business partner has been arrested for murder and she's refusing to talk to anyone but her lawyer. Convinced that no matter what the evidence seems to point to Esperanza is not a murderer, Myron is determined to prove her innocence even if she doesn't want him to get involved. But the more Myron discovers about the crime, the more questions he has. Who killed Clu Haid? What is Esperanza keeping from him? And what is the connection to Lucy Mayor the missing daughter of the billionaire owner of the New York Yankees?

In this sixth Myron Bolitar mystery, all the usual characters put in an appearance, fans of Big Cyndi will be able to get to know her a little better, and there's the usual witty dialogue between Myron and Win all of which makes reading this novel like putting on a pair of well worn comfortable slippers or talking to an old friend.

This novel would probably have got a five star rating from me but I can't help but compare it to the other Bolitar novels, some of which I thought were fantastic. In my opinion, this is good but no quite so good. Nevertheless, this is a great read which I would recommend.

This is the first book by Harlan Coben I've read (it was the only one of his on the library shelf). All in all, most enjoyable! The wry humor is right on key; the characters are wonderfully drawn and empathetic; the wisdom sparse, but good old down-to-earth common sense; a fast read with great dialogue.

Mr. Coben incorporates amazing humanity into his characters -- even the 'bad guys.' As Myron learns about right and wrong, rarely is the delineation between the good guys and bad guys without a little fuzziness. They're all people doing the best they can given their particular circumstances. In the end, even Myron himself wonders if he's no longer one of the 'good guys.'

So why only 4.5 stars? The ending was a let-down. Also, there are references to past events that don't make much sense. Certainly, I don't expect the whole story. But often, just one more sentence would've satisfied me. Eh, minor complaint.

Will I read the rest of the Myron Bolitar series? You betcha!

Harlan Coben did it again! This is a great book in a great series.

Myron returns from an extended disappearance to find Esperanza in big trouble. With the help of Big Cindy and Win, Myron is determined to help, even though Esperanza and her attorney are just as determined that he will not even try to help.

The story continues with more twists, turns, humorous, and serious situations.

I highly recommend reading all of the books in this series. The writing is excellent, the story lines absorbing, and the best is the relationships among the characters. Coben writes as if the characters could jump out of the book and carry on a conversation with you.

Please order all of Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar novels at once. Not only will you read about the world's most honorable sports agent Myron Bolitar but you get a murder mystery to follow as well as some memorable characters to cheer for. The mysteries are excellently written, hilarious and fast-paced. Once I started reading the book, it is hard to put it down, so I didn't, I finished it the day I received, as I did with the previous Bolitar novels. What draws me to this series is Myron's interactions with the people closest to him - his girlfriend, his parents, his assistant/partner(?) Esparanza and last but not least Win Lockwood - psycho-yuppie. I can only read books in the mystery genre and this is one of the best series ever. To all you potential Cobenatics - order all Bolitar novels at once! Please note that you can reserve the new novel - The Final Detail before its release in June. Hurry - catch up with Myron, Win (my favorite) and crew before the June deadline.

Yes, I couldn't resist all of the golf puns in my review title. Needless to say, this book is a lot better than my title.

Once again, Myron Bolitar, the college basketball superstar turned FBI agent turned sports' agent, and his wonderful supporting cast are back once again in another fast-paced book. Jack Coldren, has a large lead in the U.S. Open on the same course he choked on 23 years ago. His wife, Linda, is the number one player on the women's golf tour, and they become Myron's lastest clients, when he agrees to help them find their son, Chad, who has been kidnapped.

Myron wonders through the darkest parts of Philadelphia, running into all kinds of seedy individuals along the way. The ride is one of non-stop twists and turns, and to make matters worse, the Coldrens are part Win's, Myron's best friend, family. Myron has to solve this case alone.

Most of the regular characters are back for this novel, as well as a few more. Win and Esperanza are the perfect compliments to Myron, and as always in Coben books, all of the characters are well-developed. The storyline is chock full of surprises, which makes for an enjoyable page-turning adventure. Coben uses a literary witty dialogue between his characters, peppered with humorous observations, that helps the book flow so well.

This fourth book in the Myron Bolitar series lives up to its reputation. It is entertaining and humorously suspensful. BACK SPIN in one unpredictable, exciting book.

In Back Spin, Harlan Coben not only manages to provide a glimpse into the psyche of a champion (whatever their field of expertise), but weaves together a chilling tale of kidnapping, family secrets, and the beauty and eccentricity which is golf. While Myron Bolitar, sports rep and rival of Henny Youngman for king of the one-liners, attempts to enter the world of professional golfing at the US Open, he is more than a little side-tracked by frantically working to find the missing son of the leader of that prestigious event. This is a story of violence, in the graphic, physical sense and also in terms of betrayal; particularly the pain that family members can inflict upon one another. Back Spin also moves us along in our understanding of Myron, Esperanza and especially the charming, but lethal Win. For those already acquainted with those characters (in every sense of the word!), Back Spin is a "must read." For those not yet acquainted with this trio, or the author, you can look forward to a great story, with more twists and turns than the golf hole of your worst nightmares, and more empathy and eloquence than all the jokes and snappy come-backs might lead you to expect. Whatever the author's golf handicap may be, with this latest addition to the Myron Bolitar series, Harlan Coben shows he definitely qualifies as a Master of his craft

Harlan Coben has to be my favorite authors. He writes with wit that other authors can seldom match. And yet when needed, he comes out with a serious side with Myron often pondering the moral issues of his life and decisions. Harlan leaves me laughing with my stomach aching and the next minute tearing up and reaching for the Kleenex. Darkest Fear is a fast-paced book with Myron fighting against time trying to find a donor for the son he never knew he had. Many twists and turns that'll keep you up through the night till the last page. The character of Emily, Myron's ex-girlfriend and mother of their child is slightly annoying in her handling of the situation.Jeremy's acceptance at the end of both his fathers seemed very mature for his age. I don't know if I would've been able to accept it that easily. However, I appreciated the role Myron's parents played in the book about unconditional love between parents and child.This would have been a five star but I was disappointed that my favorite, the WASPY Win Lockwood, didn't play a big a part as he usually does with his deadpanning humor and "killer" moves which Mryon finds disturbingly not bothering him as much as it did before. Another one of Myron's moral complexities he ponders over many times: Does the end justify the means? Not Harlan's best but still great and better than most of his fellow mystery writers. Can't wait for the next one!

Fans of this outstanding series may be a little surprised at how different this novel is from its predecessors. Harlan Coben has given us some of the best characters in modern suspense fiction: sports agent Myron Bolitar, a very human, fallible, and sensitive creature; the cold, calculating but extremely loyal (to Myron and Esperanza) sidekick who doesn't mind breaking a few legs to send a message; Esperanza and Big Cyndi, the ladies who are there to support Myron; and of course, Myron's parents, who are a refreshing addition to this genre.

In this novel, what is different is that it is the most "cerebral" of Coben's books; there's not a whole lot of action or fisticuffs or violence in this one. The story is unique and heartwrenching. Myron finds out he is a father, finds out that his own father had a massive heart attack, and has to deal with his nemesis Greg Downing and his wife. Their secrets from the past rise like a phoenix in this novel, threatening to destroy everyone, including Myron's son, who is a product of his affair with Emily on the night before her wedding to Greg. I don't want to rehash the plot; you can get that in the overall review.

What is so refreshing about Coben is his ability to stage not only remarkable action and suspense scenes, but such dynamic interpersonal scenes as well. This novel has several: Myron trying to talk to his dad about his heart attack--their awkwardness in what appears to be a shifting of roles; Myron and Greg have a short but powerful scene where Greg tries to apologize for what he did to Myron, and Myron's reaction to that apology; Myron's meeting with his son, Jeremy, and how he tries to tell him the truth; there are many, many of this types of scenes in this book.

My only "complaint" is that I don't know whether the identity of the real murderer is revealed or not; it's a labyrinthine story, and by the time it's over, you don't know who did what to who. This could be a ploy of Coben's to follow-up in a sequel, or maybe he wants everyone to make their own decision. I also find the character of Therese Collins, Myron's new love interest, to be tedious and boring; we know very little about her, which I'm sure Harlen plans on addressing in future Bolitar novels.

But, hey, what a great book in an excellent series. We'll miss Myron for a couple of years, but this reviewer would probably read anything Mr. Coben writes---he's that good!

DARKEST FEAR by Harlan Coben is not only the newest "Myron Bolitar" novel, but also the first in the series that I've read. I got hooked on Mr. Coben's writing when I read his newest hardcover, TELL NO ONE, which knocked me right out of my little white bobby socks. It was so good that I decided to go back and read his previous novels, all of which center around ex-basketball player, now sports agent and sometimes private detective, Myron Bolitar. Since I tend to start backwards when beginning a new series, I naturally picked DARKEST FEAR to read first. So, go figure. Anyway, in this novel Myron discovers that he's a father. It seems that on the night before his ex-girlfriend, Emily Browning, was to marry his college basketball rival, he and she did the two-bear mambo (uh, sorry, Joe!), and the son she produced was a product of his genes, rather than that of her new husband's. Though a little shocked and surprised, Myron finds that he can deal with it. The problem, however, is that Emily's son, Jeremy, is slowly dying from a disease called Fanconi anemia and desperately needs a bone marrow transplant to live. A donor, who was a perfect match for the transplant was found, but then suddenly disappeared. Emily wants Myron to track down the missing donor. Enlisting the aid of his closest buddy, Windsor Horne Lockwood ("Win" for short), plus long-time friends Esperanza Diaz, Big Cyndi, and Zorra, Myron begins the hunt for the man who could save his son's life. What should be a relative breeze in the park for this gang of amateur sleuths turns into something deadly serious when the "Sow the Seeds" serial killer comes out of hiding to warn Myron off. Exactly what a serial killer has to do with a bone marrow donor is a question Myron intends on answering. If that isn't enough, he's also being stonewalled by the Lex family (billionaires who guard their privacy with extreme measures) and warned to desist in his attempt to locate a missing family member. Myron certainly has his work cut out for him, but with Jeremy's life hanging in the balance, he's not about to let anybody get in his way or prevent him from finding the donor. He'll do whatever it takes to save his son. I have to admit that DARKEST FEAR really surprised me. I wasn't the least bit sure that I'd enjoy it. Instead, I found myself hooked in the first chapter or two, curious as to where the story was leading, enjoying the character of Myron Bolitar, along with his wild bunch of cohorts. Mr. Coben kept me guessing right up till the end with his meandering twists and turns-first going in one direction, then switching gears and heading in an entirely different direction. I have to say that the character of Win came pretty close to stealing the show. He's definitely someone I want to find out more about. Maybe it has to do with his martial arts ability, or possibly his inability to take anything seriously. Whatever it is, I'm drawn to this rather unusual character. I'm also happy to say that sports has very little to do with the story. If your lack of interest in sports has been the only thing holding you back from reading a "Myron Bolitar" novel, then forget about it and pick up this book or one of the others in the series. The writing is excellent, the plot holds you in its vice-like grip till the last page, and the characters are some of the most unusual ones that I've ever encountered in the "mystery" genre. I'm already trying to decide whether to read THE FINAL DETAIL or ONE FALSE MOVE next.

As a huge Harlan Coben fan, I will dutifully buy and read each of his new releases as they come out. At this point I think I appreciate the familiarity provided by each new novel. Coben's like the Kevin Smith of the literary world, tying the same characters into multiple books, while never really spending too much time away from the main characters.

Not to say that each book can't be appreciated on its own merits, but it always feels like Coben wants to go back to writing about Myron Bolitar (and I hope he does someday).

No Second Chance was a great, quick read. It has its quirks and downsides, but like his other works its a brilliant way to pass the time. However, if you've never read Coben before ... try starting with Tell No One or Gone for Good.

Terrific new stand-alone thriller from the author of Gone for Good and Tell No One. Dr. Marc Seidman, an altruistic plastic surgeon, is on his deathbed after being shot. Despite the odds, he survives but his wife has been murdered and his 6 month old daughter kidnapped. Seidman is understandably obsessed with getting his daughter back, and thus begins a story of deceptions and betrayals, all told at breakneck speed. Throw in an ex-girlfriend who is ex-FBI, a best friend/attorney, a red neck with a heart of gold, and a child star all grown up into a homicidal psychopath, and you have one hell of a story. Coben has once again written an engrossing tale of intrigue that takes the reader on a wild ride with wonderful characters and lots of jolts. The resolution was a bit weak, but the epilogue provided closure with its neatly wrapped update on all the characters. I was lucky enough to have jury duty, so I had several uninterrupted hours of reading time - clear the decks for this one and settle in, you won't be able to stop once you've started it.

Harlan Coben (Gone for Good, Tell No One, the Myron Bolitar series) has written some fantastic thrillers, but his latest, No Second Chance, is far and away the best. I won't repeat the plot summaries above, let me simply say that this book was so engrossing I couldnt put it down. Make sure you start reading it early in the day, or like me you will be up to 4 am finishing it.

I am also drawn to Coben's books by his richly drawn characters. There are no stock figures or stereotypes in this book-every character is multilayered, with levels of good and evil, and yet each real in his or her own way. Figuring out who's helping the book's lead character Marc Seidman and who is not drove me crazy, but in a good, absorbing way that I wish other whodunit readers would learn from. My favorite characters of Coben in the past included Win, Esperanza, Lou and Nina, but this book has given me a couple (I wont name them so I don't spoil your fun) to move to the top of the list.

Great story, great characters, mesmerizing read. Dont miss this book!

While some editorial reviews proclaim this book is not up to par with Coben's other literary works, I found it to be far superior to his previous books. With well-developed, realistic characters and lots of action, this book contains an element of similarity to the Alex Cross novels of James Patterson. Although "Tell No One" is perhaps not quite as spectatcular in comparison, it comes close and is certainly worth reading.

David Beck marries his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Parker. Elizabeth is believed to be kidnapped and killed by a serial murderer known as, "Kill Roy." But...is this really what happened? Beck starts receiving e-mails, supposedly from Elizabeth. Is Elizabeth really alive or is this the evil madness of a demented mind? The police attempt to pin the murder on Beck, himself, while a group with more sinister motives tries to frame Beck for the murder of Elizabeth. What really happened? The answers lie in the bold conclusiion. The chilling plot is full of twists and turns that holds the reader's attention from start to finish. While Coben lacks the pragmatic writing style of Patterson, the author's unique mode of psychological suspense makes the book a capricious thriller you will not want to put down until the final page has been read.

Harlan Coben's "Tell No One" is like a giant jigsaw puzzle. This book is so convoluted that when I reached the end, I had to double back and reread certain passages to clarify how all the pieces fit together. For the most part, however, "Tell No One" is a satisfying, fast-paced and exciting thriller.

Dr. David Beck is a widower who is still grieving after having lost his wife, Elizabeth, eight years ago. She was apparently abducted and murdered by a serial killer, who is now on death row. Suddenly, some mysterious events occur which call into question everything that David thought was true about the past. He starts investigating on his own, hoping to unearth the truth about the events surrounding his wife's death. Suddenly, David finds himself on the run from the police who suspect him of murder, and from some bad guys who have their own reasons for wanting him silenced.

Although this plot sounds trite and is reminiscent of many similar thrillers, Coben pulls it off. One way that he does this is by creating some colorful characters such as David's lawyer, Hester Crimstein, a ruthless barracuda who takes no prisoners in defense of her clients, David's friend Shauna, a lesbian/model whose loyalty is exceeded only by her aggressiveness, and Eric Wu, one of the most menacing and deadly villains that you will ever come across. The most entertaining character is Tyrese Barton, a street smart drug dealer whose friendship for Dr. Beck proves to be a life-saver.

The book's dialogue is fresh and witty and the action scenes are thrilling. My biggest reservation about "Tell No One" is that some of the explanations at the conclusion of the novel were extremely far-fetched. However, if you enjoy a lively thriller that will keep you on your toes from the first page to the last, you will probably be entertained by "Tell No One."

I read this book in 5 days...which is rare. I usually take my time with most books, but this book is really fast paced for the most part, it pulls you in. A real page turner, as they would say. Beck, the man character is quite likeable, and his relationship with his wife is very sweet. All the other characters in the book are very well drawn out and all very enjoyable to learn about as well.

The book can get somewhat confusing- so many characters linked to so many others in so many different ways. Even when you fly thru this book really quickly, things get mixed up sometimes. The author does a great job of tying things together nicely to make sure we remember what has happened throughout the book. That all said- there are tons of twists and turns, and a lot of surprises. Nice twists and turns at that.

I noticed that the book seemed to get better and better, but then it started to drop off. I think the ending was somewhat of a let down, but it's ultimately satisfying. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close.

Coben has a great style. Dr. Beck, the main character, basically tells most of the story, and I think that's a great angle to take. The author is also clearly gifted in his craft...great use of description to really put you into the story, great character development to keep you interested.

I liked Tell No One a lot, and it's actually somewhat sad that Dr. Beck isn't a regular character (I find that I become attached to a lot of characters in books, which I guess is normal.) It's always an added bonus to read a great mystery with a great lead character that you can relate to. It felt as tho I could have been in his shoes the entire time...just an average guy on a really big adventure. Hope to read more from Coben soon...

A still-young, ex-phenom, female tennis player frantically tries to contact sports agent Myron Bolitar but is mysteriously shot in the food court at the U.S. Open before finding him. Then it turns out that she contacted the newest rising men's star, a youth who has clawed his way up from the ghetto, shortly before her death, and, furthermore, she had some involvement with the son of a powerful senator, who had been stabbed to death six years prior.

It all makes for a page turning read as Myron Bolitar with his usual cast of characters - Win, the lethal Ivy leaguer, his exotic, ex-pro wrestler, female office manager, and his contacts in law enforcement and elsewhere - moves through the world of tennis coaching, exclusive country clubs, pro tennis, and the lurking presence of the crime world trying to sort through contradictions and fragments to find the murderer of the comeback tennis lady. Some of his interactions are just amusing. A lunch with his detective friend Jake at a local diner is classic.

While the book does stand on its own, there is just a little bit of the sense of its being cut from a cookie cutter mold with Deal Breaker being the first cookie. You will find repeated background descriptions, which may be necessary, but are repetitious for those who have been along for the Myron Bolitar ride from the beginning. Nonetheless, the book makes for a quick and entertaining read.

Harlan Coben is a genius in the mystery literary world. This book reads faster than a Pete Sampras serve. With a blistering-paced plot and the funniest dialogue known to the mystery world, DROP SHOT is nothing but pure magic. This book is a must read. I can't wait to read the rest of the Myron Bolitar mystery series. DROP SHOT will not dissappoint.

This is yet another solid effort by Harlan Coben. DROP SHOT is the second book in the "overhand smash"-ing Myron Bolitar series. Sorry, I couldn't help the tennis play-on-words.

Once again, athlete-turned federal agent-turned sports agent, Myron Bolitar graces the pages of this fast-paced book. He is the agent of Duane Richwood, a hot twenty-one year-old tennis sensation, who is hoping to go far in his first U.S. Open tournament. During his opening match, Valerie Simpson, a fallen tennis phenomenon wishing to make a comeback, was shot dead at the food court.

Upon investigating the murder, Bolitar uncovers a connection between Richwood and Simpson and a six-year-old murder. Add in the mafia and a seemingly crooked United States' Senator, and you have one interesting novel.

Like all of Coben's books, the one super underlying facet is the incredibly witty dialogue that would also be perfect for television or the "silver screen." Bolitar and his friend, Win, are hilarious together, not to mention the straight humor of the wrestler-turned office assistant, Esperanza. His characters are all so well-developed, and three-deimensional. Even more importantly, they all are blended together so nicely. Everyone from the snakeskin boot wearing cop, Rolly Dimonte, to the mob-muscle man, Aaron, has a very intricate role in making this such a good book.

The plot is fast-paced, and the twists are full of suspense and never-ending. Coben's writing is sensational, and the storyline is very fluid as usual. DROP SHOT is a definate page-turner. This is a very good novel, and with the surprise ending, a very enjoyable read.