Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Dutton (2015), Edition: First Edition, Hardcover, 400 pages
Description
"#1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Harlan Coben delivers his most shocking thriller yet, proving that a well-placed lie can help build a wonderful life-- and a secret has the same explosive power to destroy it. The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. His identity is unknown. His motives are unclear. His information is undeniable. Then he whispers a few words in your ear and disappears, leaving you picking up the pieces of your shattered world. Adam Price has a lot to lose: a comfortable marriage to a beautiful woman, two wonderful sons, and all the trappings of the American Dream: a big house, a good job, a seemingly perfect life. Then he runs into the Stranger. When he learns a devastating secret about his wife, Corinne, he confronts her, and the mirage of perfection disappears as if it never existed at all. Soon Adam finds himself tangled in something far darker than even Corinne's deception, and realizes that if he doesn't make exactly the right moves, the conspiracy he's stumbled into will not only ruin lives-it will end them"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member KarenMatson
It seems that Pynchon sees that the traditions of the established institutions of religion have been replaced with rather meaningless personal obsessions, which is especially evident once the towers have come down; other than a minor blip in everyone's everyday routine, it's business as usual. But
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having replaced some attempt to make sense of reality, these obsessions -- in this no longer moral universe -- can cause some seriously unpleasant behavior. It's difficult to see enough under the surface of Pynchon's characters. Is there anything there? Show Less
LibraryThing member kteeley
An OK story, but not as good or as believable as Coben's other books.
LibraryThing member JudithDCollins
A special thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
THE STRANGER by Harlen Coben, is an intriguing suspense mystery (not so much a thriller); a marriage, secrets and lies –and a stranger who is about to destroy lives.
Adam and wife, Corinne have
The Stranger is a normal looking guy who knows things about his wife and family. Did his wife lie? Adam does not know this guy, he says he is The Stranger. The stranger with the important knowledge, to ruin his life. She was never pregnant? The words kept landing like punches as he listened. The tests were fake?
He really was not supposed to be at the meeting in the first place. Corinne was the treasurer of the lacrosse board, but her school had changed the scheduling of her teachers’ conference in Atlantic City, and even though this was the biggest day of the year for Cedarfield Lacrosse—indeed the main reason Corinne had become so active—Adam had been forced to step in for her.
Not only does the stranger deliver information to Adam; he also informs secrets to Heidi Dann, a middle-aged woman with a family in Beachwood, Ohio and Michaela Siegel, a medical student in New York City.
Adam is second guessing his entire marriage and life, like what the heck is going on? However, after he investigates each bit of information, the stranger is right on and continues to give him more tidbts, making Adam almost paranoid.
Adam and his wife met in Atlanta and bonded over paternal tragedies and got married. At the time he was trying to help people as a public defender and she was teaching in the roughest neighborhoods of Newark, NJ. When Thomas was born it was time for a proper house and he began allowing his wife to choose the house and the cars, and make decisions, etc.
He ended up leaving the job as PD for a higher pay at a law firm, after all this is what fathers do— living the dream. He continues to hear the stranger’s voice “You didn’t have to stay with her . . .” He had lived with her for eighteen years. He had seen her every mood and experienced her every emotion. He even knew her well enough to know that what the stranger had alleged was indeed possible. What about his other two sons – is he even their father? He continues to learn devastating and dark secrets about his wife, Corinne—he has to protect his sons.
When Adam receives a desperate text from Corinne the intensity heats up and the text itself is something his wife would not say. Is there a bigger conspiracy and something darker than he can imagine? He has to get back to work. and why would Corrine do something so crazy and now she wants time alone?
Coben sends readers down some twisted crazy paths of cat and mouse involving conspiracy, covers ups, stolen money, secrets, and blackmail – a game with a crazy ending.
THE STRANGER is quite different than Coben’s other books, and will have to say, not one of my favorites; even though as always, he incorporates twists, turns, suspense, and wit. The first part was kind of intriguing as you are racing to learn the identity of THE STRANGER.
About thirty percent into the book, it slows down, going back and forth with Adam’s confusion with Corinne and The Stranger. Some parts were a little unbelievable (and strange); really did not hold my attention for the remainder, and seemed a little drawn out and repetitive. Not really what I had anticipated and struggling between a 3 and 4 rating, so will settle with a 3.5. Overall, was not wild about the story, more of a mystery, than thriller . . left me wanting more.
THE STRANGER by Harlen Coben, is an intriguing suspense mystery (not so much a thriller); a marriage, secrets and lies –and a stranger who is about to destroy lives.
Adam and wife, Corinne have
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two sons, Ryan and Thomas. They live in a nice suburban neighborhood in Cedarfield New Jersey. The Stranger did not shatter Adam’s world all at one. However, he would later learn nothing would be the same after meeting “The Stranger.” He meets this stranger at the American Legion Hall. His first statement, “She told you she was pregnant, right?”The Stranger is a normal looking guy who knows things about his wife and family. Did his wife lie? Adam does not know this guy, he says he is The Stranger. The stranger with the important knowledge, to ruin his life. She was never pregnant? The words kept landing like punches as he listened. The tests were fake?
He really was not supposed to be at the meeting in the first place. Corinne was the treasurer of the lacrosse board, but her school had changed the scheduling of her teachers’ conference in Atlantic City, and even though this was the biggest day of the year for Cedarfield Lacrosse—indeed the main reason Corinne had become so active—Adam had been forced to step in for her.
Not only does the stranger deliver information to Adam; he also informs secrets to Heidi Dann, a middle-aged woman with a family in Beachwood, Ohio and Michaela Siegel, a medical student in New York City.
Adam is second guessing his entire marriage and life, like what the heck is going on? However, after he investigates each bit of information, the stranger is right on and continues to give him more tidbts, making Adam almost paranoid.
Adam and his wife met in Atlanta and bonded over paternal tragedies and got married. At the time he was trying to help people as a public defender and she was teaching in the roughest neighborhoods of Newark, NJ. When Thomas was born it was time for a proper house and he began allowing his wife to choose the house and the cars, and make decisions, etc.
He ended up leaving the job as PD for a higher pay at a law firm, after all this is what fathers do— living the dream. He continues to hear the stranger’s voice “You didn’t have to stay with her . . .” He had lived with her for eighteen years. He had seen her every mood and experienced her every emotion. He even knew her well enough to know that what the stranger had alleged was indeed possible. What about his other two sons – is he even their father? He continues to learn devastating and dark secrets about his wife, Corinne—he has to protect his sons.
When Adam receives a desperate text from Corinne the intensity heats up and the text itself is something his wife would not say. Is there a bigger conspiracy and something darker than he can imagine? He has to get back to work. and why would Corrine do something so crazy and now she wants time alone?
Coben sends readers down some twisted crazy paths of cat and mouse involving conspiracy, covers ups, stolen money, secrets, and blackmail – a game with a crazy ending.
THE STRANGER is quite different than Coben’s other books, and will have to say, not one of my favorites; even though as always, he incorporates twists, turns, suspense, and wit. The first part was kind of intriguing as you are racing to learn the identity of THE STRANGER.
About thirty percent into the book, it slows down, going back and forth with Adam’s confusion with Corinne and The Stranger. Some parts were a little unbelievable (and strange); really did not hold my attention for the remainder, and seemed a little drawn out and repetitive. Not really what I had anticipated and struggling between a 3 and 4 rating, so will settle with a 3.5. Overall, was not wild about the story, more of a mystery, than thriller . . left me wanting more.
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LibraryThing member Cherylk
It has been a long time since I have read a book by this author. For the most part I enjoyed all of the books that I have read by this author. So when I saw Mr. Coben's latest book, I thought now is a good time to revisit this author and his work. OMG. I read this book in a few short hours.
The
The
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idea of a stranger coming into someone's life and telling them something about their significant other's dark secret. That is scary. I felt for Adam and what he went through when he learned his wife's secret. This is why I was invested in the story. The whole time I kept read this book I was trying to piece it together. To figure out what the stranger's motives were. I could not solve it until the reveal. Which by the way the ending was a high note. I can not wait to read the next book. The Stranger is a must, sit on the edge of your seat read! Show Less
LibraryThing member kulmona
I received access to this galley for free through the First to Read program. The first thing that attracted me to this novel was the author. Coben is one of my favorites. I've read four of his books so far and have enjoyed them all. His descriptions of surroundings, occurrences, and characters set
Coben wastes no time. The "stranger" is introduced to protagonist, Adam, in the very first chapter. Adam, an attorney, is married to Corinne, a teacher. They have two sons, Ryan(12) and Thomas(16). The stranger plants doubts in Adam's mind about Corinne. The allegations are supported by evidence that an outsider couldn't possibly know. Suddenly, before Adam can catch up with him, the stranger is gone. Adam's life is turned upside down by the stranger's revelations and he sets out to investigate. He eventually confronts Corinne. She is caught off-guard and doesn't reveal much, despite of Adam's varying tactics and persistent efforts. Further complicating matters, she sends him a text requesting some time away and asks that he not contact her. Then she disappears. Adam is burdened with explaining her absence to their distraught sons and taking care of their daily needs.
As the plot progresses, supporting characters and their back stories are introduced. Coben uses alternating points of view, a style I enjoy because it helps with character development. Some of these characters have their own encounters with the stranger and/or his accomplices. The stranger does not operate independently. He, along with his posse, profit from others' secrets and are under the misguided notion that their intentions are noble.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. The premise was intriguing and unique. The plot had unpredictable twists and turns. The ending was realistic and satisfying. Another winner by Coben. Read More
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the scene. His voices vary according to the characters' age and circumstances. His astute observations of human nature and behavior are spot on. The dialogue is true-to-life and, as always, he injects some humor. The chapters are usually short,often ending with a cliffhanger, making his books unputdownable. Coben wastes no time. The "stranger" is introduced to protagonist, Adam, in the very first chapter. Adam, an attorney, is married to Corinne, a teacher. They have two sons, Ryan(12) and Thomas(16). The stranger plants doubts in Adam's mind about Corinne. The allegations are supported by evidence that an outsider couldn't possibly know. Suddenly, before Adam can catch up with him, the stranger is gone. Adam's life is turned upside down by the stranger's revelations and he sets out to investigate. He eventually confronts Corinne. She is caught off-guard and doesn't reveal much, despite of Adam's varying tactics and persistent efforts. Further complicating matters, she sends him a text requesting some time away and asks that he not contact her. Then she disappears. Adam is burdened with explaining her absence to their distraught sons and taking care of their daily needs.
As the plot progresses, supporting characters and their back stories are introduced. Coben uses alternating points of view, a style I enjoy because it helps with character development. Some of these characters have their own encounters with the stranger and/or his accomplices. The stranger does not operate independently. He, along with his posse, profit from others' secrets and are under the misguided notion that their intentions are noble.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. The premise was intriguing and unique. The plot had unpredictable twists and turns. The ending was realistic and satisfying. Another winner by Coben. Read More
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LibraryThing member LelandGaunt
3/31/15
After the initial thrust of Spring comes the onslaught of new books on deck for the upcoming months,. For those that do not sell well once released in hardcover, they may have a second chance once in paperback or trade editions.
I just finished THE STRANGER by the one and only Harlan Coben.
Back to THE STRANGER. The greatest thing about the novels by Harlan Coben is his ability to bring the darkest parts of the human heart to suburbia.
Adam Price is the latest victim of such darkness. At the local lacrosse meeting hosted at the American Legion building in Cedarfield, New Jersey a stranger approaches Adam out of nowhere and casually provides him with a secret so shocking that it has the ability to destroy his marriage and his family. Like a fire being lit without matches or fuel the foundation of the town of Cedarfield buckles from not only that secret but also the aftermath triggered by it's outcome.
More people are confronted by the stranger with tales of hidden secrets and lies in other states all seemingly connected to one person. The stranger.
Harlan Coben has taken the thriller genre that was in desperate need for a makeover and created a sure fire bestseller antidote. Ending every chapter on a cliffhanger!
Like Carly Simon sang........NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!
After the initial thrust of Spring comes the onslaught of new books on deck for the upcoming months,. For those that do not sell well once released in hardcover, they may have a second chance once in paperback or trade editions.
I just finished THE STRANGER by the one and only Harlan Coben.
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Once again the 'author whore' that I have deemed myself, I have known Mr. Coben for many years. I first met him shortly before the release of his breakout out thriller TELL NO ONE. We had a luncheon for the books. One no one who attended will forget. The wine flowed, the food was interesting and the tales of book selling from everyone's stand point became legends in our own minds.Back to THE STRANGER. The greatest thing about the novels by Harlan Coben is his ability to bring the darkest parts of the human heart to suburbia.
Adam Price is the latest victim of such darkness. At the local lacrosse meeting hosted at the American Legion building in Cedarfield, New Jersey a stranger approaches Adam out of nowhere and casually provides him with a secret so shocking that it has the ability to destroy his marriage and his family. Like a fire being lit without matches or fuel the foundation of the town of Cedarfield buckles from not only that secret but also the aftermath triggered by it's outcome.
More people are confronted by the stranger with tales of hidden secrets and lies in other states all seemingly connected to one person. The stranger.
Harlan Coben has taken the thriller genre that was in desperate need for a makeover and created a sure fire bestseller antidote. Ending every chapter on a cliffhanger!
Like Carly Simon sang........NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!
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LibraryThing member susiesharp
Another great book by Harlan Coben this one again grabbed me right away and was very hard to keep listening.
The premise of this book is so freaky what would you do if a Stranger came up to you and told you a huge secret your wife had been keeping from you? Then the person who has been keeping that
I really enjoyed this book it was very suspenseful and kept me guessing all the way through, as always Coben has many twists and turns to get us to the conclusion. It also leaves you with the question of what would you do? Would you pay to keep your secret? Kill to keep your secret? This is what I love about Coben’s psychological thrillers they leave you wondering about your own life and if these events happened to you, how would you have handled it? The Stranger leaves these people with more questions not just about the secret but about their entire lives and if this is the big secret are there others or is this the only thing the person you love is keeping from you. Is anything about your life together true?
George Newbern is a new to me narrator and I thought he did a very good job especially in the final scenes he captured the moment perfectly. I would definitely listen to this narrator again.
I don’t want to give anything away so I will end this here and say if you enjoy a good psychological thriller pick this one up.
4 stars
The premise of this book is so freaky what would you do if a Stranger came up to you and told you a huge secret your wife had been keeping from you? Then the person who has been keeping that
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secret disappears, is it because she can’t face you and admit to the secret or is it something more nefarious and deadly? What if the Stranger told you something terrible about your child? What would you do? This is what happens to Adam The Stranger tells him a secret his wife has been keeping from him then she disappears, did she leave on her own or has something happened to her? And poor Heidi Dann finds out an awful secret about her daughter and things get even worse for her. I really enjoyed this book it was very suspenseful and kept me guessing all the way through, as always Coben has many twists and turns to get us to the conclusion. It also leaves you with the question of what would you do? Would you pay to keep your secret? Kill to keep your secret? This is what I love about Coben’s psychological thrillers they leave you wondering about your own life and if these events happened to you, how would you have handled it? The Stranger leaves these people with more questions not just about the secret but about their entire lives and if this is the big secret are there others or is this the only thing the person you love is keeping from you. Is anything about your life together true?
George Newbern is a new to me narrator and I thought he did a very good job especially in the final scenes he captured the moment perfectly. I would definitely listen to this narrator again.
I don’t want to give anything away so I will end this here and say if you enjoy a good psychological thriller pick this one up.
4 stars
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LibraryThing member alanteder
Solid 'ordinary man caught up in perplexing mystery' thriller which is Harlan Coben's signature style for his stand-alone (i.e. non-Bolitar) books. I listened to the audiobook edition and found it easy to follow even with a fairly large cast of characters. The ending is maybe not completely
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satisfying and/or believable (can't say more without spoiling it) but is still very well done. Show Less
LibraryThing member silversurfer
Highly recommended! Another great book from one of my favorite author's. I devoured this in 2 days.
LibraryThing member Sharn
I really liked this book, there were a few minor things that I didn't care for but it didn't take away from the story. Don't talk to strangers... you never know what they might tell you. This is a story about secrets, told very well. I like how Harlan Coben seems to understand people and it comes
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across in his effortless writing. Show Less
LibraryThing member maggie1961
This book reminds me why I love Harlan Coben's books so much. I wanted to read it all at once, such a good book.
Adam Price seems to have it all. He's a lawyer with a beautiful wife and two wonderful sons. They live in a nice house in a nice town and he has it made. Until he meets the stranger. The
When Corinne disappears after Adam confronts her with what he's found out, he thinks she just needed some time away to think about all that's happened, she sends a text indicating she's fine and just needs a few days and don't contact her. Then, another secret comes out, did Corinne steal the money from the lacrosse association? All this doesn't seem like the Corinne he married.
This book had the wonderful quality I have come to expect from Harlan Coben. And I have to say, even with the gripping thriller aspect of his novels, I totally love the smart mouth sarcastic characters.
It didn't end as I expected it too and I really had no idea of what connected any of those people and crimes together. I liked that I couldn't predict the events, nice to have a surprise that doesn't make me feel like I am just reading a generic mystery. Never the case with this authors books. I did find the sudden appearances of Johanna a little coincidental but I'm ok with that and I am also ok with Adam's actions at the climax and how that was handled.
Thanks Harlan for another gem.
Adam Price seems to have it all. He's a lawyer with a beautiful wife and two wonderful sons. They live in a nice house in a nice town and he has it made. Until he meets the stranger. The
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stranger, who tells him something unbelievable about his wife and from that spirals a fantastic story about a twisted company of blackmailers with some other things going on. When Corinne disappears after Adam confronts her with what he's found out, he thinks she just needed some time away to think about all that's happened, she sends a text indicating she's fine and just needs a few days and don't contact her. Then, another secret comes out, did Corinne steal the money from the lacrosse association? All this doesn't seem like the Corinne he married.
This book had the wonderful quality I have come to expect from Harlan Coben. And I have to say, even with the gripping thriller aspect of his novels, I totally love the smart mouth sarcastic characters.
It didn't end as I expected it too and I really had no idea of what connected any of those people and crimes together. I liked that I couldn't predict the events, nice to have a surprise that doesn't make me feel like I am just reading a generic mystery. Never the case with this authors books. I did find the sudden appearances of Johanna a little coincidental but I'm ok with that and I am also ok with Adam's actions at the climax and how that was handled.
Thanks Harlan for another gem.
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LibraryThing member jfe16
The Stranger whispers something in his ear and suddenly everything Adam Price thought he knew about his life is called into question. Compelled to investigate the Stranger’s enigmatic claim, Adam is startled when he discovers the truth. Will he be able to resolve the issues from his wife’s
An absorbing narrative that will keep readers turning pages as they negotiate the twists and turns that may not spell happily ever after in a world where technology can reveal that which has been so carefully hidden away.
Recommended.
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deception? Can he keep his family intact? The stranger may not be a killer, but his actions reveal secrets and destroy lives.An absorbing narrative that will keep readers turning pages as they negotiate the twists and turns that may not spell happily ever after in a world where technology can reveal that which has been so carefully hidden away.
Recommended.
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LibraryThing member she_climber
What's there to say? It's written by Harlan Coben. I'd read his grocery list. Still waiting for another Myron book, but I'll take little non-mentions of him in the meantime while I pine away.
LibraryThing member Book_Referees
Adam & Corrine are living the perfect life with their boys, Thomas & Ryan. Until the fateful day when Adam meets The Stranger. The Stranger reveals to Adam a secret about his wife, Corrine. Adam has a hard time believing the secret about his wife. His first reaction is to ignore it because
The Stranger by Harlan Coben grabs readers’ attention from the first few words on the page. This book is very well-written. The characters were very relatable. I found myself discussing the characters with my sister like we knew these characters outside of the book. That’s what makes Harlan Coben one of the best writers in the literary world. He has the ability to evoke emotion (good or bad) from the readers.
Readers will enjoy Harlan Coben’s smart twists and turns throughout the novel. The Stranger will leave readers wondering Who, What, When, & Why until the very last page.
I highly recommend this book.
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there’s no way a total stranger can know so much about his wife. Unable to let go of the feeling of unease, Adam decides to investigate the accusations. What Adam uncovers will alter his life forever.The Stranger by Harlan Coben grabs readers’ attention from the first few words on the page. This book is very well-written. The characters were very relatable. I found myself discussing the characters with my sister like we knew these characters outside of the book. That’s what makes Harlan Coben one of the best writers in the literary world. He has the ability to evoke emotion (good or bad) from the readers.
Readers will enjoy Harlan Coben’s smart twists and turns throughout the novel. The Stranger will leave readers wondering Who, What, When, & Why until the very last page.
I highly recommend this book.
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LibraryThing member hopkinshj
Adam Price is a tool. I don’t mean that the character is not likable; I mean he’s a writing device used to advance a storyline.
In Harlan Coben’s latest novel, the titular stranger shakes attorney and father of two Adam’s world by divulging a secret Price’s wife Corinne has been keeping.
Adam begins searching for Corinne while slowly piecing together the reality of his wife’s life. He discovers the stranger also has revealed devastating information to Heidi Dann, a middle-aged woman with a family in Beachwood, Ohio, and Michaela Siegel, a medical student in New York City. When Dann is murdered, Adam’s fears intensify.
When I started the opening chapter of The Stranger, I got that happy feeling I get whenever I read Harlan Coben’s books. I was hooked the first time I read Deal Breaker| and I have been fortunate enough to attend several of Coben’s book signings. I can report he is clever and funny in person, as well as in print. Unfortunately, while the voice was the same, I could not manage the emotional connection I feel with Coben’s prior novels.
I have heard Coben say that, when he starts writing, he knows the beginning and the end, but he does not know what the path will be from point A to Point B and he does not generally write an outline upfront. Nevertheless, in 2014, Harlan Coben’s Missing You| gave me pause. It seemed a bit too tightly crafted, as though the author had said to himself, “Hmmm . . .I read about this nifty writing technique. Let’s experiment with it.” With, The Stranger, Coben delivers another novel that feels as though it were written for homework assigned in a creative writing class. Even if he truly does not know the route he will follow, I suspect Coben consciously chooses his means of travel.
I am going to put The Stranger away on a high shelf and, when Harlan Coben’s next novel is published, I will rush to read it, hoping to find a renewal of the originality, humor, and artlessness I grew to love in his books. If that means some time before a new book is published, so be it. Another truly good Harlan Coben novel would be worth the wait.
In Harlan Coben’s latest novel, the titular stranger shakes attorney and father of two Adam’s world by divulging a secret Price’s wife Corinne has been keeping.
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When Adam confronts Corinne with what he has learned, she disappears, leaving a only a text message, “YOU TAKE CARE OF THE KIDS. DON'T TRY TO CONTACT ME. IT WILL BE OKAY." Adam begins searching for Corinne while slowly piecing together the reality of his wife’s life. He discovers the stranger also has revealed devastating information to Heidi Dann, a middle-aged woman with a family in Beachwood, Ohio, and Michaela Siegel, a medical student in New York City. When Dann is murdered, Adam’s fears intensify.
When I started the opening chapter of The Stranger, I got that happy feeling I get whenever I read Harlan Coben’s books. I was hooked the first time I read Deal Breaker| and I have been fortunate enough to attend several of Coben’s book signings. I can report he is clever and funny in person, as well as in print. Unfortunately, while the voice was the same, I could not manage the emotional connection I feel with Coben’s prior novels.
I have heard Coben say that, when he starts writing, he knows the beginning and the end, but he does not know what the path will be from point A to Point B and he does not generally write an outline upfront. Nevertheless, in 2014, Harlan Coben’s Missing You| gave me pause. It seemed a bit too tightly crafted, as though the author had said to himself, “Hmmm . . .I read about this nifty writing technique. Let’s experiment with it.” With, The Stranger, Coben delivers another novel that feels as though it were written for homework assigned in a creative writing class. Even if he truly does not know the route he will follow, I suspect Coben consciously chooses his means of travel.
I am going to put The Stranger away on a high shelf and, when Harlan Coben’s next novel is published, I will rush to read it, hoping to find a renewal of the originality, humor, and artlessness I grew to love in his books. If that means some time before a new book is published, so be it. Another truly good Harlan Coben novel would be worth the wait.
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LibraryThing member skrouhan
Amazon Summary:
The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. His identity is unknown. His motives are unclear. His information is undeniable. Then he whispers a few words in your ear and disappears, leaving you picking up the pieces of your
I picked this one up on a whim in my library's Bestseller section. Harlan Coben is one of those authors I see around a lot, but never feel inclined to pick up... until this one. Although the plot was a bit predictable at times, and I didn't have any *gasp* moments, I will say this was an enjoyable thriller. Good for a summer read.
The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. His identity is unknown. His motives are unclear. His information is undeniable. Then he whispers a few words in your ear and disappears, leaving you picking up the pieces of your
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shattered world. Adam Price has a lot to lose: a comfortable marriage to a beautiful woman, two wonderful sons, and all the trappings of the American Dream: a big house, a good job, a seemingly perfect life. Then he runs into the Stranger. When he learns a devastating secret about his wife, Corinne, he confronts her, and the mirage of perfection disappears as if it never existed at all. Soon Adam finds himself tangled in something far darker than even Corinne’s deception, and realizes that if he doesn’t make exactly the right moves, the conspiracy he’s stumbled into will not only ruin lives—it will end them.I picked this one up on a whim in my library's Bestseller section. Harlan Coben is one of those authors I see around a lot, but never feel inclined to pick up... until this one. Although the plot was a bit predictable at times, and I didn't have any *gasp* moments, I will say this was an enjoyable thriller. Good for a summer read.
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LibraryThing member everfresh1
It has a familiar setup of American suburbia, just like in other Harlan Coben's standalone novels. It is by itself gets somewhat old. But the novel also lacks an edge that was characteristic to his other novels. The mystery is not that mysterious. The ending is not that climactic. The characters
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are not very interesting. The plot doesn't really keep you turning pages like before. At least, it took me an effort to get through. Definitely, not the best book by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member CinderH
I was not overly thrilled with this book. Kind of a let down since this was my first book by Coben and I've heard how great his writing is. This story just really didn't suck me in at all. I thought Adam and Corrine were kind of dumb characters from the start. And the explanation for it all? LAME!
There were too many characters that didn't really have anything to do with each other forced into a final scene and the BAM...Adam just figures it all out. It just didn't weave together that well.
I have another book by him on my shelves so I'll give him one more try, but this was a disappointing (although quick) read.
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Might as well have been Stephen King ending with "oh it was aliens!" (again).There were too many characters that didn't really have anything to do with each other forced into a final scene and the BAM...Adam just figures it all out. It just didn't weave together that well.
I have another book by him on my shelves so I'll give him one more try, but this was a disappointing (although quick) read.
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LibraryThing member Ellie.Pelto
I read this book by listening on Audible. The narrator was great -- highly recommended.
The Stranger shows up and tells you a secret about a loved one. You don't know what to believe -- should you believe this stranger, this person you don't know? Or do you believe your loved one, trust they told
Adam Price is visited by The Stranger. He tells Adam a secret about his wife, Corinne, that turns his life upside down. Then, when confronted, Corinne suddenly disappears, no where to be found. Adam must find The Stranger and find out what truly happened, and he has to find Corinne to put their life back together. Little does he know, many other people have been approached by The Stranger, and not all of them are happy to have their lives disrupted.
"The Stranger," while at times tedious and overly detailed, delivers on the suspense and mystery that this premise promises. Adam Price is a severely unlikeable character, anti-social and stand-offish. He makes some questionable decisions regarding his wife, children, and The Stranger. However, if you can get past some of the obvious character flaws and little plot holes, this book will keep you turning back, wondering how you could think what you thought would happen before. The ending had me putting off dinner, telling my family to leave me alone until I finish this book, I have to find out what happens -- the sign of a great thriller.
The Stranger shows up and tells you a secret about a loved one. You don't know what to believe -- should you believe this stranger, this person you don't know? Or do you believe your loved one, trust they told
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the truth? The Stranger has upturned an innumerable amount of lives, all for the sake of putting the truth out there.Adam Price is visited by The Stranger. He tells Adam a secret about his wife, Corinne, that turns his life upside down. Then, when confronted, Corinne suddenly disappears, no where to be found. Adam must find The Stranger and find out what truly happened, and he has to find Corinne to put their life back together. Little does he know, many other people have been approached by The Stranger, and not all of them are happy to have their lives disrupted.
"The Stranger," while at times tedious and overly detailed, delivers on the suspense and mystery that this premise promises. Adam Price is a severely unlikeable character, anti-social and stand-offish. He makes some questionable decisions regarding his wife, children, and The Stranger. However, if you can get past some of the obvious character flaws and little plot holes, this book will keep you turning back, wondering how you could think what you thought would happen before. The ending had me putting off dinner, telling my family to leave me alone until I finish this book, I have to find out what happens -- the sign of a great thriller.
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LibraryThing member rabbitrun
Interesting story. Climax and resolution are rather brief.
LibraryThing member Conkie
A patron at the branch library I volunteer at, highly recommended this book. I had yet to read anything of Harlan Coben's, so I thought 'why not?' I need to thank that patron. This book started out quickly and solidly, and never let up. Its story is actually numerous vignettes, some tied together,
I will say this, though; I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half. Not sure why, just did. Meanwhile, another patron recommended I read Coben's Tell No One. I'm adding it to my TBR list.
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some seemingly not, but all woven together by the end. An interesting and current day premise, sprinkled with several actual truths makes for interesting conversations over dinner or in a book group.I will say this, though; I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half. Not sure why, just did. Meanwhile, another patron recommended I read Coben's Tell No One. I'm adding it to my TBR list.
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LibraryThing member amme_mr
I have always been a huge fan of Harlan Coben's work. And this one did not disappoint.
It was an interesting concept of a story line of a Stranger who approaches people and reveals secrets of their loved ones. When people start disappearing as a result of the revealed secrets, it is a race to find
It was an interesting concept of a story line of a Stranger who approaches people and reveals secrets of their loved ones. When people start disappearing as a result of the revealed secrets, it is a race to find
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the truth and find the missing loved ones. Show Less
LibraryThing member FictionZeal
Adam Price’s life would never be the same again. A stranger approached him. He seemed to know more about Adam’s wife than Adam did. ‘“You didn’t have to stay with her,” the stranger said.’ Adam remembered two years prior when his wife Corinne became pregnant for the third time. It was
Adam is not the only person approached by the stranger. He visits several people, tearing lives apart with the secrets their loved ones have been concealing. He’s blackmailing many who want to keep their secrets from going viral.
What makes this mystery great is the multiple layers, subplots, and twists that further engage the reader and keeps one guessing. There are other people more sinister than the stranger; there is stolen money; and there is murder. Adam manages to place himself right into the middle of it all. What didn’t work for me was how Corinne seemed to speak in riddles instead of addressing Adam’s issues with her false pregnancy. Coben is a master at creating realistic and complex character personalities. Most of the novel was from Adam’s perspective with a few chapters given over to others. I rated The Stranger at 4 out of 5.
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a difficult pregnancy; she lost the baby. The stranger said, “She lied, Adam … She was never pregnant.” He told Adam to check Corinne’s purchase to Novelty Funsy. Adam checks; then confronts Corinne. She doesn’t level with him. The next day, he receives a text message from her, “Maybe we need some time apart. … Don’t try to contact me, it will be OK. Just give me a few days…” When all is said and done, he realizes he doesn’t care about the stranger or about Corinne’s fake pregnancy. He can’t imagine life for himself and their two teen sons without her. He’s determined to find her and bring her home.Adam is not the only person approached by the stranger. He visits several people, tearing lives apart with the secrets their loved ones have been concealing. He’s blackmailing many who want to keep their secrets from going viral.
What makes this mystery great is the multiple layers, subplots, and twists that further engage the reader and keeps one guessing. There are other people more sinister than the stranger; there is stolen money; and there is murder. Adam manages to place himself right into the middle of it all. What didn’t work for me was how Corinne seemed to speak in riddles instead of addressing Adam’s issues with her false pregnancy. Coben is a master at creating realistic and complex character personalities. Most of the novel was from Adam’s perspective with a few chapters given over to others. I rated The Stranger at 4 out of 5.
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LibraryThing member musichick52
Leaving a trace of your identity on the internet, even though you think you have been ultra careful, results in a money-making criminal scheme for the baddies in this novel. The perfect middle-class family is shredded by the wife's indiscretion. Another family is destroyed by a young daughter's joy
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ride on the net. The family man who is willing to stoop to evil to protect his heirs was a town hero. A mid-western law-woman goes the extra mile to protect others out of her jurisdiction who have fallen prey to hackers and henchmen. Each character is a psychological study. What lengths would you go to to protect your family? What price would you be willing to pay to continue to cover-up your internet naivety? This is a quick, well-written, scary look at human nature in the modern tech world. My thanks to the author and Penguin's First to Read program for a complimentary copy of this work. Show Less
LibraryThing member buffalogr
The book starts off slow an boring....soccer moms an suburbia, what could be more boring? But the intensity increases as the reader proceeds. There are a lot of characters, the prime one is Adam, who's wife disappears. Most of the book involves Adam trying to Find Corine. The teen age boys play a
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small teen part, which adds to the realistic feel. Then, about half way through, the story grabs you and the book is unstoppable. Show Less
Awards
Hammett Prize (Nominee — 2015)
Lariat Adult Fiction Reading List (Selection — 2016)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2015-03-24
Physical description
400 p.; 6.31 inches
ISBN
0525953507 / 9780525953500