Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: September 26th, 2017
400 Pages
Synopsis: Suburban New Jersey Detective Napoleon “Nap” Dumas hasn’t been the same since senior year in high school, when his twin brother Leo and Leo’s girlfriend Diana were found dead on the railroad tracks—and Maura, the girl Nap considered the love of his life, broke up with him and disappeared without explanation. For fifteen years, Nap has been searching, for both Maura and for the real reason behind his brother’s death. And now, it looks like he may finally find what he’s been looking for.
When Maura’s fingerprints turn up in the rental car of a suspected murderer, Nap embarks on a quest for answers that only lead to more questions—about the woman he loved, about the childhood friends he thought he knew, about the abandoned military base near where he grew up, and mostly about Leo and Diana—whose deaths are darker and far more sinister than Nap ever dared to imagine.
I’m a huge fan of Harlan Coben and I’ve reviewed a few of his standalone novels. After finishing Don’t Let Go last night, I can honestly say it’s his best story yet!
Coben starts by relating in his Author’s Note, what inspired him to write this. During the Cold War, there were hundreds of Nike missile sites scattered all over the U.S. These were ostensibly created to shoot down any bombers that Russia may send our way. Many of these bases were located in or near major population centers including the town in New Jersey where Coben grew up and my own town in MA. Naturally these places were magnets for the child and teen residents of the towns. My husband recalls being confronted by an armed soldier when he and a friend got a little too close to the perimeter. Thankfully these sites were all closed by the mid-1970s, especially in light that some of these missiles were tipped with nuclear warheads! So, there’s my brief history lesson, now for the actual review.
Building upon his hometown legend, the book is centered around all the secrets and lies surrounding the deaths of the main character, Nap’s twin brother Leo and Leo’s girlfriend Diana, 15 years ago. While the rest of the town has accepted that this was either a suicide pact, or a tragic accident, Nap has never attained closure, partly because of his belief that the tragedy is tied to to the mysterious disappearance of his own girlfriend, Maura which happened about the same time. Now, a police detective, Nap is determined to uncover the truth, when a former classmate and friend is found murdered, and Maura’s fingerprints turn up at the scene.
Without a doubt, Nap is one of my favorite characters that Coben has created and that includes Myron Bolitar (who makes a brief appearance) from that popular series. His past, his continuing love for Leo—with who he converses with in his mind, and his stubborn determination to solve this mystery even when others, including friends, seek to discourage him, makes him a likable and relatable character. Like all of the characters that make up this tale, he’s flawed, yet he’s someone you’d not only want in your corner, but also as a friend in real life.
The plot itself takes off immediately from the first page. It’s full menacing and suspenseful, and of red herrings and other surprises, which had me second-guessing myself right up until the satisfying conclusion. While Nap’s quest for the truth is a dark and dangerous one, his sarcastic sense of humor had me laughing more than once.
I think I’ve said this before, but if you haven’t tried Harlan Coben and you’re a fan of suspense/thrillers, you’re missing out! If you don’t want to commit to a series, his standalones are exciting and entertaining, and Don’t Let Go is a great place to start. I guarantee that once you’ve picked it up, you won’t be able to tear yourself away!
beetleypete said:
The author may be guilty of using some artifice with those – more than unusual- names, but 5 stars from you is a good enough recommendation for me, Kim!
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
There’s actually a reason behind Nap ‘s rather unusual name Pete.😁 I think you would really enjoy this one, especially with it’s ties to history.☺️
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Jay said:
Coben is the writer Sean’s dad always gives to him for Christmas so I guess I can expect this title later this year.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to know what Sean thinks once he’s read it Jay. I’m surprised that none of his books have been adapted to film.
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fragglerocking said:
I’ll be doing this for sure, I’ve read all the Bolitar novels so am well up for it!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
And I’ll bet you’ll especially love it as Myron makes a cameo!
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fragglerocking said:
Yes, was a bit disappointed when his son took over the novels, I missed him!
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Carrie said:
Nice review Kim! This is one of those authors that I keep thinking some day I’m going to have to break down and pick up at least one to try.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie. I know you would love his books!😊
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Renee (Itsbooktalk) said:
Fantastic review! I agree with you that Nap was very flawed yet likeable and I’d totally want him on my side if I was in trouble
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Renee! I wouldn’t mind seeing a new series featuring him!☺️
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
Fantastic Review Kim and I haven’t checked out this author yet but own a couple books and hear good things! This is definitely on my TBR list!!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
His books are always such quick reads Dani, and this one I finished in 3 hours because I just couldn’t tear myself away!☺️
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
Wow 3 hours?!! I wish I could devour a book that quickly!!!😍Sounds awesome I’m totally checking it out!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!🤗
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
Check out my post when you get a chance Kim. I was practicing a few hours to say this word and my dad said I say it wrong too. I need your professional opinion. Lol.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Heading over now Darci!
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
Hugs!😁
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😚😚😚
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Diana said:
Great review Kim. I haven’t read anything by this author but your enthusiasm and recommendation have definitely convinced me that I have been missing out. I will check out his titles.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Diana. I guarantee you’ll become addicted!☺️
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jilldennison said:
Already a fan of Coben, this one piques my interest and I will definitely be reading it. Thanks for your review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s great Jill!😊
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
Nice review, Kim! I’ve heard great things about Harlan Coben’s books but I haven’t read any of his books yet. This sounds very thrilling and I really want to give this a shot.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven! This is a perfect one to begin with!🙋🏻
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vinnieh said:
Coben is most definitely a prolific author, both my parents to are fans.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
My husband and I just watched a British miniseries called The Five that he wrote which was fantastic!
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vinnieh said:
It’s interesting you mention that because I plan to see it soon. BTW, apologies for my absence. I’ve just had a lot on and will do a post speaking about it.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’ll enjoy it Vinnie. I hope everything is okay.😙
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vinnieh said:
Oh it’s nothing serious at all. I just did the post and you’ll see that it’s just an update.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m heading over right now. And if you’re in need of a laugh, I have a funny new post up.😁
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vinnieh said:
I’ll be over to you shortly.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊😊
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MC Clark said:
Great writer…love his books!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
He is one of my favorites!☺️
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Jen said:
I’m so happy to hear that this is one of your favorite books of his, so far to date! That’s always so exciting when we pickup a book from an author we love and fall even harder for their newest release, yay! Wonderful review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jen!🤗
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Oh gosh, this sounds awesome. I haven’t read anything by this author yet, but I do have his books on my TBR, especially Tell No One. Nice to hear your love for this author’s work! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’d enjoy his books Lashaan!
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