The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
jamballdonut's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I love Win, which is surprising because he's exactly the type of person that I would typically hate, but he's written in a way that makes me laugh and enjoy his sassy and macabre personality. He's a rich, white asshole, and that works perfectly for him. He knows he's better than everyone, and there's no point in hiding that.
In saying that, as an "introductory" book to the world of Win without Myron Bolitar, the actual plot itself felt a little.. ridiculous. We get it, he's rich, he's self-indulged, he has access to so many things us peasants never will, but to base the book on the theft of a priceless one-of-a-kid art piece owned by Win's family just felt a little too "wow I'm so much better than you". In saying all of that, I still enjoyed the book.
The twist was one I never saw coming, and I'm beginning to appreciate that about Harlan Coben. He's quickly becoming someone whose every book I need to read, and I genuinely look forward to more books focusing on just Win, although hope his fame and fortune allows him to focus on cases that aren't so close to home next time.
In saying that, as an "introductory" book to the world of Win without Myron Bolitar, the actual plot itself felt a little.. ridiculous. We get it, he's rich, he's self-indulged, he has access to so many things us peasants never will, but to base the book on the theft of a priceless one-of-a-kid art piece owned by Win's family just felt a little too "wow I'm so much better than you". In saying all of that, I still enjoyed the book.
The twist was one I never saw coming, and I'm beginning to appreciate that about Harlan Coben. He's quickly becoming someone whose every book I need to read, and I genuinely look forward to more books focusing on just Win, although hope his fame and fortune allows him to focus on cases that aren't so close to home next time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Death, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Rape, Grief, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Murder, and Physical 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.Â
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.Â
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Torture, and Kidnapping
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, and Violence
klutzykara's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Pedophilia, Confinement, Death, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, and Rape
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