A review by chronicreader96
The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The Boy from the Woods follows Wilde and Hester as they work together to find a missing teenage girl. However, to do so, long buried secrets must be uncovered. 

This was my first Harlan Coben novel and I will definitely be diving into more of this author’s works! I really enjoyed this twisty ride that was definitely able to take me by surprise at times. I did struggle a little to follow all the different subplots but I enjoyed how everything tied up towards the end. I’m not usually one for politics in books, but I actually really liked that aspect of this book. It really got me thinking and relating the scenario to real life. I think the political aspect was written in a way that suited a novice like me! 

I find feral children incredibly fascinating from a psychological standpoint. However, I had to completely suspend my belief with Wilde’s character. I almost feel like his history was shoehorned in to make him seem more interesting, but it just was not realistic. In fact, there are many parts of this book where you need to completely suspend your belief, which did detract from my enjoyment a little. That being said, I absolutely loved Hester’s character, her tenacity, intelligence and take no prisoners attitude won me over completely! I hope she crops up again in this series! Overall, I enjoyed this and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to the characters next. 

I would recommend this to fans of crime/mystery if you don’t mind having to suspend your belief.
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