Another outstanding standalone book by author Coben
929249
I really enjoy author Coben's standalone novels. I have read most of them. I have not read  his Myron Bolitar series. I prefer standalone novels just because I tend to forget what is happening in a series book between books - nothing against the author, just a weakening memory.

To me, STAY CLOSE was one of Coben's more enjoyable offerings. I liked his characters, who have faults and actually seem like people I could get to know. The plotline is twisty, turny and kept me guessing right up to the end. Coben has a knack for genuine sounding dialogue too.

Suspenseful and full of insight into the criminal mind and human nature, I sat down and read this winner pretty much straight through.

If you like mysteries, thrillers, books about serial killers or just plain well-written books, give this one a try.
4413696
In my opinion Coben is one of the most consistent writers in the thriller writer genre. All of his novels have been great reads, and I have been waiting for the release of "Hold Tight" since I finished "The Woods." This time out Coben has crafted a page turner that will make parents shudder. Coben is able to weave a number of real life concerns into this convincing thriller. This is something he is a master at---taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. The issues of teen suicide, a teen's right to privacy, parental spying, single parent families, and what should kids need to know and when are all explored. These issues are brought into focus though the eyes of parents who are dealing with the teen angst of their 16 year old son who's best friend recently committed suicide. When Mom and Dad start snooping on their son's computer they find something that chills them to the bone, something they might wish they did not know....I won't ruin the surprise but in typical Coben fashion things are not what they seem. Just be ready to settle in until the last page is turned.
2791438
Harlan Coben is one of my favorite authors.  Couldn't wait to read his new book and he didn't disappoint me.  There are always lots of twists and turns! Couldn't put it down until I finished it and then was disappointed that it was over!
2903506
Harlan Coben stands atop the heap as one of the best known mystery and suspense writers in the business. His latest book, Missing You, is a gritty cop drama set against the backdrop of current headlines. Online dating has become all the rage, but it is just too easy to take the hopes and dreams of lonely people and turn them into a scam which ends up in murder. This is a hard-nosed, riveting story with so many twists and turns the reader might need a road map. Coben astounds with his parallel story lines and ties everything up in neat package in the end. Mystery and suspense at it's best!

What I liked:

Harlan Coben is a big name in mainstream mystery and thriller writing. His titles have seen a lot of attention and justifiably so. He writes with a kind of inner radar that hones in on the issues that readers already have on their minds. Current headlines and little things that just make you wonder are the themes of his books. His books feel real and they don't sugar coat the facts or the fiction about the subject.

Let's face it, the dating game has changed. Meeting someone online is no longer an unusual thing. It's common. And with it comes a lot of problems that dater's never had to think about before. "Is that picture really what he/she looks like?" "Does this person really have that job and live in that town?" "Is he or she married?" and unfortunately, "Could this guy/gal be after something more sinister than true love?" The online dating theme was spot on in this novel. Coben treats it like what it is... and everyday occurrence that could be fraught with a whole lot of danger. I thought his portrayal of the landscape of online dating was masterful. He pulls the reader into this world of conspiracy and murder and he doesn't let go. Amazing!

Kat Donovan is a woman after my own heart. She's been knocked around a little bit when it comes to love and she isn't sure she wants to get it right. She's tough, a little intimidating and set in her ways. Is is worth it, to lose her independence to some guy? But she still wishes she had someone to come home to. Those are the people that scammers prey on. The ones who have almost lost hope, but that little glimmer they can latch on to exists. I loved the way Coben wrote this no-nonsense character who was tough on the outside, but had a gentle heart within.

The twists and turns in this book were one right after the other. There were several parallel stories running at one time and reader is sifting back and fought between them wondering how they tie in throughout the book. But everything from an 18 year old murder case involving Kat's father, to a wayward ex-fiancee, to a teenagers worry about his mother's activities, ties in, in a big way. Coben has a way with working it all out and letting the puzzle pieces fall into place when the he nears the conclusion. I never feel disappointed and most of the time even if I have figured out what's going on, it's all about the journey. This was a great one, by a real master in the genre.

What I didn't like:

Big conspiracies and murder plots can be so convoluted and drawn out so far that they become impossible scenarios. I think this one may have gotten a little close to the line, but it didn't quite go over. It was plausible, if just so. But that didn't change the fact that it was an exciting and engrossing novel.

Bottom Line:

If you've never read a Harlan Coben I suggest you fix that as soon as possible. If you like the kind of book that makes your heart beat speed up and your palms sweat, this is it. Great ready, because it's a real thrill ride.
850601
Harlan Coben can't miss ! His books are a great read and this series is no exception ! I can't wait till the next installment comes out...very fast paced and a thriller all the way !"Seconds Away"is a book you must read.
2243707
This is one of the best books I have read.  The Stranger by Harlan Coben is very well written and so interesting.  I had a difficult time putting it down.  A very enjoyable read.
1493963
Well, we have come to expect aa certain standard for Harlan Coben's novels.  This one hits the mark! Once I start reading his books, I cannot stop for mundane activities (such as cleaning, cooking) until the book ends. He continues to be my fsvorite suthor.
2242161
Coben is one of favorites  and that rating continues .  Intriguing plot , well written  and interesting enough to keep you enjoying .
Coben Continues!!
4097115
I've read other Harlan Coben books but never one from his Myron Bolitar series, so I thought it was about time!  In the Deal Breaker we are introduced to Myron Bolitar and his sidekick Win.  They are former FBI agents turned agent and accountant respectively.  Myron has signed on a star client, Christian, a college football player turned pro.  Right before they sign the biggest contract of Myron's career, a picture of Christian's girlfriend, who has been missing for 18 months, turns up in an ad for a 1-900 number.  Christian's girlfriend also happens to be the sister of Myron's old flame.  Myron works to solve this mystery and find out what really happened to Christian's girlfriend....

If you've read Coben's more recent work, you can tell that his writing style is a bit more rudimentary and that he was just starting out, but the premise made for a good page turning mystery and I'll definitely be back to read the next book in the series.
3926701
Faithful readers of the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben should not miss "Live Wire" for any reason--particularly because of misrepresented evaluation scores that are skewed by those who rate the book low because of its Kindle pricing.  Fans of buddy/best friend relationships in the mystery/suspense genre, whether Lansdale's Hap and Leonard series, James Lee Burke's Dave and Clete, or Randy Wayne White's Doc and Tomlinson, will be hard pressed to improve on the humorous, touching, and selfless friendship shared between Myron Bolitar and "Win" Lockwood over the years.  In "Live Wire", the 10th in the series, their friendship and loyality are on full display and are deeply tested as it reveals the depths of their bonds as well as the sadness that can accompany the choices friends and family make.  Indeed, this novel is all about family relationships and enduring friendships and how they can be affected by misspoken words and misguided deeds.

"Live Wire" is a bit deeper, darker, and more revealing--particularly regarding Myron's family and backstory--than previous efforts.  The reward for the loyal reader is a great novel containing a central mystery that ultimately involves some characters from out of the past as well as a character study in Myron's devotion to his family and his pain and confusion from actions which resulted in the estrangement of his brother and sister-in-law 16 years earlier.  Readers can enjoy the usual humor, suspense, gritty violence, and repartee that usually accompany a Myron/Win adventure while slowly becoming engrossed in a secondary plot that introduces Myron's complicated past and uncertain future with his long lost brother and sister-in-law and a 15-year-old nephew he has never met.

Suzze T, a former tennis phenom/celebrity is 8 months pregnant with rock star husband, Lex Ryder's, baby--or is it really his?  Lex disappears after the baby's parenthood is questioned on the internet and Suzze begs Myron to find Lex and to find out who has posted the malicious information.  Before long, Myron unexpectedly encounters Kitty Bolitar, former tennis sensation who married Myron's brother, Brad, and disappeared with him 16 years earlier after a destructive argument between the brothers. The story picks up steam as Myron and Win with help from Esperanza and Big Cindy leap into the fray to solve several mysteries that seem somehow too coincidental to not be related.  Family sorrows take a back seat when Myron and Win are confronted with old enemies, the Ache brothers, and the deadly hitman, Evan Crisp.

"Live Wire" is fun, deeply engaging, and ultimately peculiarly sad as story lines and relationships take some unanticipated twists and turns.  There is certainly room for future adventures in this great series but there is uncertainty and sadness hovering over the novel's conclusion.  If you are a longtime fan of this series, I recommend you do not miss this one for any reason.
3441440
Harlan Coben always creates believable characters and strong plots, but he has outdone himself with this amazing story.  From beginning to end, I was enthralled.  Can't wait for the next Coben book.
3172200
Usually when I read a Harlen Coben book I can't put it down.  This one I could.
2651663
Harlan Coben had me hooked from page one with 'Gone for Good'. I loved his characters and I kept swinging from liking to hating the character who I was sure was the evil person and then he completely turned me again at the conclusion. What a gripping story! I couldn't stop reading it! Fabulous story, amazing characters and I was so sorry when the book ended. Can't wait to read my next book from this great writer.
1272799
I've read many of Coben's books and have enjoyed all.  Fade Away has a very interesting villain and excellent plot.  It was really hard to put it down and I probably read the last third at one sitting.  (unusual for my reading habits)  I highly recommend the Bolitar series books and this one in particular was the best of the best I've read.
4665893
I've read a number of Coben's books ( the majority Myron Bolitar books) & this is his best!
2493574
Tying current criminal enterprise with a believable story this book is hard to put down.  Highly recommend if you like Harlan Coben.
145218
Once you read one Coben story you almost have to read them all. The Myron Bolitar stories are very good but the stand-alone, 'some one has always gone missing'  books are thrilling and suspenseful.  I'm not easily pleased as a reader, but Coben does it every time - Don't Let Go is one of his best.