Long Lost

Harlan Coben's latest novel is notable not only because it features the welcome return of Myron Bolitar (last seen in 2006's PROMISE ME), but because it is a sequel of sorts to THE FINAL DETAIL and DARKEST FEAR. One does not need to have read these previous books, however, to fully appreciate LONG LOST, which may well be the author's best work to date. Myron is an appealing character imbued with a real-world humanity that is rarely found in fiction with such clarity. A former pro-basketball prospect whose career ended before it was barely off the ground, he has broadened his career as a sports agent to include all manner of celebrities. Myron notwithstanding, the appeal of the series is due in no small part to the cast of characters with which he has been surrounded. Arguably, the greatest of these is Win --- Windsor Horne Lockwood III --- the rich pretty boy who is unexpectedly dangerous and is the heavy hitter upon whom Myron must frequently rely. Myron's romantic life is also intriguing and, for many reasons, not always successful. So the reappearance of Terese Collins at the start of the book is a welcome surprise. Terese, perhaps the most intriguing of Myron's past paramours, contacts him with a surprising and almost irresistible request: come to Paris. Myron is involved with someone else, but after she is deftly and cleverly removed from his life, he is on his way to France where he is swept up into a murder investigation involving the brutal demise of Terese's ex-husband Rick. Terese is initially the prime suspect in the case, until evidence demonstrates that her daughter was present at the crime scene. This, however, is an impossibility, since her daughter was killed in an automobile accident several years before. Coben thus sets up a mystery that leads Myron and Terese across Europe and back to New England, even as shadowy pursuers dog their footsteps along the way. The always capable Win is along to help, but it is ultimately Myron who must solve the seemingly inexplicable mystery of Rick's murder, as well as deal with the violent confrontation his discovery precipitates. My initial reaction to the solution of LONG LOST was that Coben had perhaps jumped the shark with respect to his revelation concerning the villain of the piece. After some reflection, however, his method doesn't reflect madness so much as a reliance upon the time-honored method of cloaking a wolf in the guise of a lamb. There is also a hint of irony, which may or not have been intentional, that will get readers thinking and certainly talking. Most of the discussion regarding the novel will concern the return of Myron Bolitar and the surprising reprise of Terese. From its opening sentence to its chilling final paragraph, LONG LOST is a winner. Now how about a novel featuring Win?

Long Lost is an amazing book by my most favorite author in the whole wide world. Can I give this book six stars? Okay, enough with the gushing. This is a great book and I do love Coben, but I do admit some might be turned off by his brash writing style. But I believe those people will be very few. If you enjoy thrillers with great characters and exciting twists and turns, you'll love Coben. Long Lost brings back Myron Bolitar, the ex-NBA first round pick turned sports agent. Myron is a little older and not a little wiser. He is dating a 9/11 widow. In one evening, the widow breaks things off and he is summoned to Paris by Terese Collins, a women he had a torrid affair with several years ago. Myron and preppy but lethal friend Win take off for Paris. After a tragedy broke her heart several years ago, Terese disappeared. Recently her ex-husband Rick contacted her with information that could change her life. Rick has gone missing, and before Myron and Terese can locate him, the French police pick up Myron. A Det. Bereland has an interest in Rick Collins and the story he was working on as an investigative reporter. Okay, I'm going to stop there, and not give away any twists, because they start coming early. Of all the authors I read, I think Coben is the best at jaw dropping twists and turns and revealing them in the most supsensful and entertaining fashion. Long Lost is no exception. Unfortunately, Coben does follow the same plot line in a lot of novels (someone thought dead or missing is really alive or a person has a child they never knew about). There are variations on that plot in this book that are revealed early. Coben has written several books featuring Bolitar and his sidekick Win. I urge you to go back and read all of those. The first book is as entertaining as the last. Coben has been an excellent writer since the beginning. Long Lost is similar to all other Coben novels. Coben's writing contains a sense of fun and exuberance that you don't get with all authors. But this novel also raises the stakes. Coben has been great making you care about characters and his plots while really keeping the stories on a personal level. This time, the plot delves into international terrorism, and ends on an ominous note. Coben is definitely at the top of his game and may have even gotten better with Long Lost.

Long Lost is not just the new Harlan Coben book; it's the new Myron Bolitar/Win book. In it, Myron goes global. His long lost love has called out for him and her siren song takes him to Paris, to London and, ultimately, to the hospital. I don't want to reveal too much, but suffice to say that his lover, Teresa Collins, has lost her husband. His murder stems from his discovering a terrorist cell. As Myron investigates, he too encounters not just the homicidal bad guys, but a host of individuals from the French police, Homeland Security and Mossad. He has, in short, stepped into a situation that was far greater than he had anticipated. Fortunately, he has Win along for the flights, walks, car rides and confrontations. The novel is ambitious, with a complex plot, a large canvas and a frightening, realistic central premise. It is also current, with such contemporary issues as stem cell research playing a role in the plot. Coben is a bestselling author for a reason. The characters and premises are just a tad over the top; the humor is just a tad over the top; the plotting is just a tad over the top and the prose is as lucid as a mountain stream. He does not make the demands of a James Ellroy, nor does he offer the density of texture of a James Lee Burke. He has, however, found the secret to writing popular narrative for which no one need make apologies. Long Lost is Coben at his best. Highly recommended.

Myron Bolitar, talent representative, sports agent, college superstar, and failed pro ballplayer, finds himself dumped by a significant other just as an old flame sends him an urgent message to meet her in Paris. Myron, having reasons of his own to get out of Manhattan, quickly finds himself questioned in a French murder investigation and then in a shootout at a cafe. The long lost love has her own secrets which gradually come out. Just when you think you know where it is all heading, Coben takes his tale to places you had not dared to imagine. This is an intensely satisfying book, and one which displays Harlan Coben's story-telling talent. It is a bit early for summer reading, so don't buy it to put in your beach bag. Once you pick it up, it will be hard to put down.

It's been ten years since Myron Bolitar has heard from his old flame, Terese Collins. She has become a suspect in her ex-husband's murder in Paris and pleads for Myron's help. After arriving in Paris, Myron finds out troubling information about Terese's past and the death of her daughter. Myron begins digging around for answers and discovers evidence that might prove Terese's daughter is still alive. With the help of the ever faithful Win, Myron embarks on an international search for answers to the mystery behind Terese's past. What they discover is more frightening then anything they could have imagined. In Long Lost Harlan Coben sets out to satisfy the masses with his first Myron Bolitar novel in three years. Not only does he satisfy, but he gives his faithful fans what may be his most enticing thriller to date. What makes the Bolitar novels so addicting is the strong and quirky characters and of course they are all back in wondrous fashion. Myron himself is as endearing as ever with his unyielding desire to help those he loves. Coben would be shunned by his rabid fans if he didn't give us a healthy dose of Windsor Lockwood III. Never fear. Win is back and just as psychotic and engaging as ever. Esperanza is as sassy as always bringing some welcome moments of humor and tenderness throughout. Coben has long established himself as a master of the first person narrative and I don't think anyone writing in the genre today compares. I love how Coben takes these characters that are so familiar and raises the stakes by placing them in a horrific conflict with global implications. This is a far cry from Myron's mystery solving sports agent days, yet despite the raised stakes we still find the same old Myron and Win we fell in love with years ago. In the end we are left with a truly terrifying conclusion that may surprise readers, but nevertheless fits the plot that Coben has so masterfully constructed. Harlan Coben consistently keeps me in awe with each new installment and Long Lost is certainly no exception. Even if you have never read a Myron Bolitar novel, Coben gives just enough background to keep you out of the dark. Pull up a chair and sit tight because you won't be going anywhere once you begin.