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mrsfligs's review
2.0
I enjoy a good Harlan Coben thriller every so often so I picked this up for a little "candy bar" reading. UGH!! I didn't know this was one of his first books (he wrote it in his 20s). He writes in the introduction that he didn't go back and rework it ... but he really should have. I would be embarrassed to put this out there! The plot is ridiculous -- and I didn't understand WHY some of the characters chose to do what they did. The writing was bad too. As Coben says, "if this is your first book of mine, put it down and walk away." Really, this should apply to everyone. Not even sure why I finished this ... maybe to see if it would miraculously improve or when you can't look away from a car accident.
hollydoesstuff's review
5.0
Holy shit this is Coben's first and imperfect book? Great read! I get the hype now, and not all authors live up to theirs.
deballen21's review
1.0
Dreadful. His first novel and it really shows. But also fascinating to see his development as a writer. The dialogue is appalling, which is so interesting because in his later novels his dialogue is terrific. All in all a great read to see how a writer grows.
laurak23's review
3.0
This is Coben's first published work, originally released in 1990.
The book is interesting, and like all of Coben's works, it gets you interested right away. However, I see that Coben grew as a writer between this work and his first Myron novel, "Deal Breaker," from 1995.
When you pick up this paperback and read the back of the book, you immediately know a big chunk of the mystery. I don't know if Coben had any say-so about the blurb written on the back, but I think the novel would have been much more intriguing if I hadn't read the back. Anyway, the plot itself is fine, but once again, due to the information revealed on the back of the book, it was predictable. My main disappointment with this novel was the fact that Coben reveals a lot of the "secrets" during the story. In his later works, he usually saves them all for the "here's what happened" ending.
Overall, an enjoyable mystery read from Mr. Coben.
The book is interesting, and like all of Coben's works, it gets you interested right away. However, I see that Coben grew as a writer between this work and his first Myron novel, "Deal Breaker," from 1995.
When you pick up this paperback and read the back of the book, you immediately know a big chunk of the mystery. I don't know if Coben had any say-so about the blurb written on the back, but I think the novel would have been much more intriguing if I hadn't read the back. Anyway, the plot itself is fine, but once again, due to the information revealed on the back of the book, it was predictable. My main disappointment with this novel was the fact that Coben reveals a lot of the "secrets" during the story. In his later works, he usually saves them all for the "here's what happened" ending.
Overall, an enjoyable mystery read from Mr. Coben.
fruschee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sharppointysticks's review
2.0
“Okay if this is the first book of mine you’re going to try, stop now,” warns the author. “Return it. Grab another. It’s okay. I’ll wait.”
Didn't know about this disclaimer when I got this book... This was the author's first novel from back when he was in his twenties. It wasn't unreadable, but it wasn't great either.
Didn't know about this disclaimer when I got this book... This was the author's first novel from back when he was in his twenties. It wasn't unreadable, but it wasn't great either.
burntfries's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
afwyt's review
5.0
HARLAN COBEN IS THE BEST.
Okay - so this book was all over the place. And yes, some of this was a liiiiittle far-fetched. But that’s why we read fiction, right? And seriously, for his first book, this was amazing.
I might be biased, but I don’t care.
Okay - so this book was all over the place. And yes, some of this was a liiiiittle far-fetched. But that’s why we read fiction, right? And seriously, for his first book, this was amazing.
I might be biased, but I don’t care.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
2.0
2 STARS
Former top model turned businesswoman, Laura has eloped with NBA star David Baskin in Australia and is looking forward to their future ahead. David convinces her to take a business meeting while on their honeymoon and when Laura returns to the hotel..David is missing...his mangled body washes ashore and Laura's life falls apart.
I have read quite a few of Coben's books and normally love them, but this one was too predictable. I could smell the twist chapters ahead. It was kind of like a little kid standing behind a plant covering his eyes and asking you to find him. I think I will skip Miracle Cure and stick with his newer stuff.
Former top model turned businesswoman, Laura has eloped with NBA star David Baskin in Australia and is looking forward to their future ahead. David convinces her to take a business meeting while on their honeymoon and when Laura returns to the hotel..David is missing...his mangled body washes ashore and Laura's life falls apart.
I have read quite a few of Coben's books and normally love them, but this one was too predictable. I could smell the twist chapters ahead. It was kind of like a little kid standing behind a plant covering his eyes and asking you to find him. I think I will skip Miracle Cure and stick with his newer stuff.
abi224's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0