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killa2022's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
litwithleigh's review against another edition
4.0
Writing: 3/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Two seemingly unconnected stories intertwine in this fire flame thriller by Netflix's author on speed dial, Harlan Coben.
The first story is about Hayley, the girl everyone wants to be, who goes missing seemingly without a trace. The second story is about Dan, a man exposed by the Wendy, host of the fictional version of To Catch a Predator when he tries to check on a troubled female youth.
Wendy is a clout-chasing journalist who loves to catch pervs and also get her Nancy Drew on. After Dan is murked by a victim's father, Wendy goes full FBI and investigates whether Dan is actually or perv or she slipped up. Along the way, Hayley's body is found and all fingers point to disgraced and presumed dead Dan.
But what will Wendy discover??? The answer: A LOT
MY OPINION
This was my first book by Harlan, but I've watched (and loved) Gone for Good, The Stranger, and most recently, Stay Close on Netflix. The openers for Hayley and Dan's story were absolute BANGERS. It pulled—no, snatched—your ass in, and I was stuck.
The pacing was great. This is definitely Netflix material. Kudos to Harlan for getting that Netflix bag. Yes, you have to suspend your belief, because Wendy being a report who does expert-level sleuthing on the side while the police twiddle their thumbs is simply implausible. Also, not sure why the author needed to include details painting her as MILF material...? Ah, the male gaze.
I was originally pulled in by the description, but stayed for the plot. A twisty, turny read.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Revelations galore. Every chapter reveals something new. Original plot.
Cons: Writing quality was subpar, tbh.
THE PLOT
Two seemingly unconnected stories intertwine in this fire flame thriller by Netflix's author on speed dial, Harlan Coben.
The first story is about Hayley, the girl everyone wants to be, who goes missing seemingly without a trace. The second story is about Dan, a man exposed by the Wendy, host of the fictional version of To Catch a Predator when he tries to check on a troubled female youth.
Wendy is a clout-chasing journalist who loves to catch pervs and also get her Nancy Drew on. After Dan is murked by a victim's father, Wendy goes full FBI and investigates whether Dan is actually or perv or she slipped up. Along the way, Hayley's body is found and all fingers point to disgraced and presumed dead Dan.
But what will Wendy discover??? The answer: A LOT
MY OPINION
This was my first book by Harlan, but I've watched (and loved) Gone for Good, The Stranger, and most recently, Stay Close on Netflix. The openers for Hayley and Dan's story were absolute BANGERS. It pulled—no, snatched—your ass in, and I was stuck.
The pacing was great. This is definitely Netflix material. Kudos to Harlan for getting that Netflix bag. Yes, you have to suspend your belief, because Wendy being a report who does expert-level sleuthing on the side while the police twiddle their thumbs is simply implausible. Also, not sure why the author needed to include details painting her as MILF material...? Ah, the male gaze.
I was originally pulled in by the description, but stayed for the plot. A twisty, turny read.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Revelations galore. Every chapter reveals something new. Original plot.
Cons: Writing quality was subpar, tbh.
byp's review against another edition
4.0
Despite never reading the Myron Bolitar books, I do love a good Harlan Coben novel. Some characters are hackneyed, but I love twisty page-turners, and he is a much better writer than Patterson or Iles. This one way my favorite since Gone for Good, but Tell No One is still the best by far.
yanikg's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
vicky30312's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely some dated things but the plot and twists were good.
ladycranstonkc's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Self harm, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Alcohol, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Gore, Grief, Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Medical content, Violence, Alcoholism, Death, Murder, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Child death, and Classism
Minor: Sexism, Bullying, Confinement, and Stalking
johnlway's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0