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In novels that crackle with wit and suspense, Harlan Coben has created one of the most fascinating heroes in suspense fiction: the wisecracking, tenderhearted sports agent Myron Bolitar. In this gripping third novel in the acclaimed series, Myron must confront a past that is dead and buried--and more dangerous than ever before. The home is top-notch New Jersey suburban. The living room is Martha Stewart. The basement is Legos--and blood. The signs of a violent struggle. For Myron Bolitar, the disappearance of a man he once competed against is bringing back memories--of the sport he and Greg Downing had both played and the woman they both loved. Now, among the stars, the wannabes, the gamblers, and the groupies, Myron is embarking upon the strange ride of a sports hero gone wrong that just may lead to certain death. Namely, his own.… (more)
User reviews
As usual the characters are all thin, he bad guys without redeeming features etc, but I didn't spot nay obvious plot holes which is always good.
Myron and his Philadelphia Main Line Old Family assistant Win immediately run into signs of trouble when they discover blood in the basement playroom of Downing's house. Soon a body shows up, that of a mysterious "Carla", and the puzzle thickens.
Coben is in fine feather with this series installment. Myron and Win are two of the more original "detectives" in the mystery genre, and Coben's comic touch, as usual, really enlivens the story. Win is definitely everyone's favorite sociopath.
The plot is excellent with a gratifying number of twists and turns. The climax is completely unexpected and well-written; the ending, quite appropriately, is somewhat somber and a little ambivalent.
There are aspects of the plot, however, that do not tie up neatly at the end, and that left me uncomfortable trying to figure out just exactly how they actually did fit in to the overall plot. There is a brief and pretty superficial look at the price sports superstars pay for their celebrity status that is crucial to the plot.
As always, Myron and Win are the chief attractions in a highly entertaining--many times truly funny--book. Highly recommended for a good, light read.
Plot twists: A side story unexpectedly becomes key
Characters: Wounded, they speak their own compromised truths
Values: People should not hurt others
Pace: Multilayered backstory involving many characters slows
Background research: Pro Basketball
Sexuality: Misplaced flirtation
Ending: Desperation leads to unwise behavior
Offensive to any group: Lesbians
Target audience: Everyone
Flaws: Although Myron's thought processes are shared with the reader, we are suddenly excluded from Myron's thoughts when he figures out who the murderer is.
I enjoyed the plot twists involving Myron’s history and the way he has coped with his disappointment over the years. The writing is suspenseful, at at the same time, laugh out loud funny. The characters are all multi-dimensional, and the secondary characters of Win and Esperanza, are some of the best I've ever seen. Harlan Coben is a master of great storytelling and suspense. Myron is a fascinating character and I look forward to continuing the rest of this highly addictive series.
A decade has past, and his basketball rival, Greg Downing, has vanished, and Myron is hired to find him. To do so, Myron is drafted
I thoroughly enjoy Myron and his sidekick Win. Together their wit brings about smiles or grins, but Myron's personality can stand on its own. His sarcastic comments add flavor to the story and is what I like most about him. However, the plot in this book (#3) has allowed us to get to know Myron on more of a personal level, and I liked that side of him, too.
The series at this point is dated, but the references are fun and entertaining. Coben came out with the 9th book in March, 2009. It should prove to be interesting to move along in time with the books as I try to catch up.
Originally posted on: Thoughts of Joy
Anyway, I snickered more than once, and this does not happen often.
Jonathan Marosz is a great narrator, and I hope he narrates more of The Boltar's series. The reveal at the end of the novel was a real wowser, and I am betting that it will keep me, and many, many other readers and listeners coming back for more. I'm very happy that I kept up with this series, through the first couple of novels in it. This novel is the beginning of the pay off. P,ease give this series a try, you won't be disappointed.
4 solid stars, and recommended for other lovers of mystery novels.