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Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: March 17th, 2020
384 Pages
Synopsis: The man known as Wilde is a mystery to everyone, including himself. Decades ago, he was found as a boy living feral in the woods, with no memory of his past. After the police concluded an exhaustive search for the child’s family, which was never found, he was turned over to the foster system.
Now, thirty years later, Wilde still doesn’t know where he comes from, and he’s back living in the woods on the outskirts of town, content to be an outcast, comfortable only outdoors, preferably alone, and with few connections to other people.
When a local girl goes missing, famous TV lawyer, Hester Crimstein—with whom Wilde shares a tragic connection—asks him to use his unique skills to find her. Meanwhile, a group of ex-military security experts arrive in town, and when another teen disappears, the case’s impact expands far beyond the borders of the peaceful suburb. Wilde must return to the community where he has never fit in, and where the powerful are protected even when they harbor secrets that could destroy the lives of millions…secrets that Wilde must uncover before it’s too late.
The last couple of weeks I’ve had a bumpy road in regards to good reading, so it was with great anticipation that I turned to one of my go-to authors, Harlan Coben. And I’m happy to say that with The Boy From the Woods, he once again delivers a picture perfect suspense tale.
If you’re a longtime reader of Coben, you’ll have noticed that while most of his books are standalones (except for his Myron Bolitar) series, there are commonly cross references to events and characters between his books. Here, Hester Crimstein, a sassy 70-year-old defense attorney who answers her phone “Articulate,” and has appeared in previous stories, gets a well-deserved starring role. And teaming her up with an enigmatic introvert with quite the mysterious background like Wilde is a study in how to write perfectly compelling characters who readers will instantly love. I absolutely loved, Loved, LOVED the scenes and dialogue with these two, and they make wonderful foils for each other. The secondary characters are intriguing and I was kept guessing as to who was or wasn’t a villain and what everyone’s motivations were.
The story unfolded at a fast pace and contained several twists right up until the end. I’m thinking (hoping) that this is just the first book featuring Crimstein and Wilde. If you’re a fan of Coben, The Boy From the Woods will serve as confirmation as to why you excitedly look forward to each new release of his. If you haven’t tried one of his books, but you like twisty suspense with quirky characters, well, what are you waiting for?
It’s been a while since I read his Myron series, I’ll put this on the list!
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If you like the Myron series Fraggle, you’ll definitely like his standalones. Did you know that there are three of his books that are currently series on Netflix? The Stranger, Safe, and The Five.
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No I didn’t! But I do now 🙂 Also I haven’t read those.
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Which should I choose as my new series for ironing to Mrs.Netflixguru 🤣
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Ooh! Rubbing my hands together gleefully Here’s my top recommendations:
The aforementioned Harlan Coben series STRANGER THINGS
THE GOOD PLACE
Bodyguard
The Haunting of Hill House
The Dark
The Umbrella Academy
Mindhunter
Bates Motel
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Ok I’ll check the trailers out and pick one for ironing day 😊
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Yay! And I’m putting up a post tomorrow about Locke & Key which is dropping Friday.🥰
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Ok will look out for it 😊
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I haven’t read any book by this author. I’ll note this one. Great review!
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Thanks!
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I still haven’t read any of his books.
But Hester Crimstein is going in my notebook of silly names! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I thought you might like that name Pete! Have you watched any of the Netflix adaptations?
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I love Harlan Coben and have read every single one of his books, even the ones for young adults. Hester Crimstein is such a great characters, I am so looking forward to reading this one. Great review Kim.
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Thanks Carla. I think you’ll like this.
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I am on the list at the library for when I get home.
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I was reading this and binge-watching his The Stranger on Netflix this past weekend. I love this guy! Great review!
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Thank Patty. I’m going to watch The Stranger this weekend.
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So good!!!
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He is a great writer!
I enjoy his books!
Good review, Kim.
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He’s never disappointed me Margie!
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This sounds really good!!
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I love Coben! He never lets me down!🥰
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Good to know!
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Tarnation, another terrific Coben book, not that I’m surprised, just woefully behind 😉
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He’s dependably brilliant!
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This sounds amazing! I must check this out A.S.A.P! Great review, Book Diva.❤🌟📚💃
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If you haven’t read any of his books Dani, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? Just kidding!😂 Seriously though, I know you love mystery/suspense/thrillers, and he’s one of the best!🤗
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Guilty as charged! I have read thousands of books but haven’t read any of his work, I believe but I must now! 😆
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