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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
I read the introduction by Coben and knew what I was getting myself into. I knew that the subject matter wasn't going to be ideal, and that there were going to be some problematic views. After all, it was written in the early '90s. These stopped me from giving the book a higher rating.
That being said, I enjoyed the way the book was written and I couldn't put it down. I'm already delving into one of his other novels and enjoying it so far.
That being said, I enjoyed the way the book was written and I couldn't put it down. I'm already delving into one of his other novels and enjoying it so far.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
I liked this book a lot. It is an older book of his, but it has such an important back story. The way it highlights the aids epidemic is so important and it really does it justice.
i didn't realize when i checked it out, but this is actually one of harlan coben's earliest novels--there's a note from him at the beginning of the book that says if this is the first book of his you're reading--don't! pick a different one! kind of funny. he's definitely progressed as a writer, but he still got me with the twist in this book; turns out he's always been amazing! :)
Harlan Coben does not disappoint! I’ve read all the Bolitar series and have now started on his stand alone books. One of my favourite authors!
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As this was written decades ago, language and homophobia is a main theme of the book so if that offends you, best to avoid. Gives a pretty accurate account to how aids and homosexuality was viewed in the 80’s/early 90’s and how muc discrimination the queer community suffered
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The "whodunnit" part of this book is what kept me going. I'm glad that I was wrong so that the twists and turns were unexpected, but holycrap, this book could've been half as long as it was. i found it really hard to read for a while, finding the characters irritating and one-dimensional with flimsy attempts at fleshing them out by giving them weird habits or quirks. They all had the same sense of humour - a sarcastic, snappy come-back sort, no doubt the author's own. I actually feel bad talking down the author, because I've loved some of his other books. Tell No One is easily one of my favourites in this genre. Everyone was either "sexy" or unattractive. What irks me about this book is that he says at the start that it's not his best, and I feel that as an author, why would you put something out into the world that you're not happy with? Why not take the time to fix it if you're so unhappy with it? It feels money grubbing, which is something I didn't want to associate with someone who comes across as nice as Harlan Coben does. That part of it was disappointing to me. I'm probably being overly harsh, but it's only because I expected better from him.
Bitching done. The mystery of this story was good, even if the content was a little preachy at times. The last 40% of the book had me interested enough that I couldn't put it down for long, so that's good.
Sorry, Harlan, I wanted to love this, and I was really looking forward to revisiting the world of your stories. Maybe Myron Bolitar will put me back in good spirits with you.
Bitching done. The mystery of this story was good, even if the content was a little preachy at times. The last 40% of the book had me interested enough that I couldn't put it down for long, so that's good.
Sorry, Harlan, I wanted to love this, and I was really looking forward to revisiting the world of your stories. Maybe Myron Bolitar will put me back in good spirits with you.