cwniebuhr's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Introducing a new character, the titular Win, Coben adds to the universe of his previous series, the Myron and Mickey Bolitar novels, respectively. While serving as a stand-alone, one should catch up on both Myron and Mickey series to understand the full depth of Coben’s writing.
“Win” reads differently than previous Coben novels. Written from the perspective of Win, the first seventy-odd pages were cliché and difficult to get through—most of it serving as background characterization for the protagonist. Coben develops the plot’s mystery well in an intricate web, with all details coming together well in the end.
A 3.75 rating is for the slow beginning, which was more of a chore than the usual ease of other Coben works. Additionally, the protagonist is challenging to love, and Coben’s dialogue for the character, at times, is not realistic.
“Win” reads differently than previous Coben novels. Written from the perspective of Win, the first seventy-odd pages were cliché and difficult to get through—most of it serving as background characterization for the protagonist. Coben develops the plot’s mystery well in an intricate web, with all details coming together well in the end.
A 3.75 rating is for the slow beginning, which was more of a chore than the usual ease of other Coben works. Additionally, the protagonist is challenging to love, and Coben’s dialogue for the character, at times, is not realistic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Child abuse
ozshark's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I have read a couple of Harlan Coben novels, and enjoyed a couple of TV adaptations, but I am not overly familiar with his work. I didn't even realise that Myron Bolitar (a character who often gets referenced in Win) was a character with his own long-running series.
I enjoyed this. I particularly enjoyed the character of Win himself. He is written with just the right level of poise, arrogance and humour to suit him, without him becoming grating and unbearable. The story/mystery was less engaging for me. I found I didn't really care who was behind the theft, or whether it linked to the Hut of Horrors etc.
I will definitely give the character of Win another go though, and might check out one of Myron's stories too.
I enjoyed this. I particularly enjoyed the character of Win himself. He is written with just the right level of poise, arrogance and humour to suit him, without him becoming grating and unbearable. The story/mystery was less engaging for me. I found I didn't really care who was behind the theft, or whether it linked to the Hut of Horrors etc.
I will definitely give the character of Win another go though, and might check out one of Myron's stories too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Torture, and Kidnapping
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