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Crime fiction readers will undoubtedly be familiar with at least one of US author Harlan Coben’s novels.
The author has written 33 books, including Tell No One, The Wood, and the Myron Bolitar series, which have sold over 80 million copies worldwide.
Among notable Harlan Coben books are “Tell No One,” a riveting tale of love, loss, and mystery, and “The Woods,” a suspenseful exploration of a prosecutor’s quest for truth amidst a murder investigation.
Additionally, Coben’s Myron Bolitar series has garnered widespread acclaim for its mix of mystery and sports elements.
Must-Read Harlan Coben Novels That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat:
Below are the names of books that Ghostwriting Founder has recommended to read before you watch Netflix’s Fool Me Once:
Tell No One:
In “Tell No One,” the compelling narrative centers around David Beck, a man whose life is shattered when a serial killer purportedly murders his wife. Eight years later, a mysterious email reignites hope as David begins a quest to uncover the truth. The story weaves through a maze of dark secrets as David must outsmart law enforcement and dangerous adversaries to unveil the startling reality.
Gone for Good:
“Gone for Good” follows protagonist Will Klein, drawn into a mystery involving his missing brother and a murder suspect tied to Will’s ex-girlfriend. Like Harlan Coben’s books, it is filled with unexpected twists; the narrative delves into the complexities of family and love, unraveling a gripping tale of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The Innocent:
Matt Hunter in “The Innocent” seeks to rebuild his life after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. However, a chilling video call resurfaces haunting memories and exposes a shocking truth about the night that changed everything. The novel takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as Matt confronts his past and fights to reclaim his innocence.
No Second Chance:
“No Second Chance” thrusts Marc Seidman into a nightmare scenario: waking up in the hospital to discover his wife murdered and his daughter kidnapped. The author’s short story writing skills revolve around a single chance for a ransom exchange gone awry; Marc embarks on a desperate journey to find his daughter, navigating a treacherous path of deception and danger.
The Stranger:
In this standalone novel, “The Stranger,” Adam Price’s life turns dark when a mysterious stranger reveals a terrible secret about his wife. As Adam digs deeper, he unravels the horror books of all time, surprising truths and lies threatening to upend his idyllic suburban existence, leading to a suspenseful exploration of trust and betrayal.
Just One Look:
In “Just One Look,” a woman’s life unravels when a discovered photograph from her past sets off a chain of events. Unbeknownst to her, a mysterious watcher observes her every move, leading to dangerous consequences that threaten her seemingly perfect life. The story, just like Harlan Coben’s books, explores the consequences of digging into buried secrets.
Caught:
“Caught” follows reporter Wendy Tynes, who exposes a sexual predator during a sting operation. When the suspect vanishes, Wendy becomes personally invested in the missing teenager case, convinced of the man’s innocence. The story revolves around the complexities of justice and personal conviction as Wendy pursues the truth.
Hold Tight:
“Hold Tight” thrusts Mike and Tia Baye into a technological nightmare while searching for their missing son. Unraveling his digital trail, they discover layers of bitterness and resentment, adding complexity to the cosmic horror and mystery. The novel explores parental love’s consequences and the digital age’s darker aspects.
Six Years:
“Six Years” follows Jake Fisher, who stumbles upon her husband’s obituary six years after watching the love of his life marry someone else. Seeking closure, he attends the funeral, only to unravel a web of secrets and lies that challenge his sanity. The narrative and dialogue improvement explores the impact of lost love and the lengths one goes to uncover the truth.
Home:
A decade ago, thieves grabbed two boys from rich homes and demanded cash, then went quiet. No sign of the boys ever emerged. For ten years, their families have been left with nothing but painful memories and a quiet desire for the day that has finally, amazingly arrived: Myron Bolitar and his friend Win think they have found one of the boys, now a teenager.
Where has he been for ten years, and what does he know about the day, more than half a life ago, when he was taken? And most critically, what can he tell Myron and Win about the fate of his lost friend? Drawing on his singular ability, Harlan Coben’s books present an explosive and deeply moving story about friendship, family, and the meaning of home.
Early Life, Education, and Career:
Harlan Coben was born in 1962 in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in a Jewish family. He was educated at Livingston High before heading off to college. Coben furthered his education in political science at Amherst College, a liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts.
It was here in college, during his fraternity days as a member of Psi Upsilon, where he met Dan Brown, another internationally renowned author.
After college, Coben joined his grandfather’s travel agency instead of jumping straight into writing. However, he never strayed far from his writing passion and eventually launched his career in literature.
Harlan Coben’s books are on the New York Times bestseller list. He has over 35 novels to his name, with some famous ones being ‘Win,’ ‘The Boy from the Woods,’ ‘Run Away,’ and ‘Fool Me Once.’ His works have been translated into 46 languages, demonstrating his global appeal.
In terms of his personal life, he is married to Anne Armstrong-Coben.
It’s worth noting that Coben’s impressive life and career inspire aspiring authors and his million-strong readership worldwide.
Fun Facts about Harlan Coben
Here are a few interesting facts about Harlan Coben:
- Harlan Coben has had 10 consecutive books debut at Number 1 on The New York Times Bestseller List, which is noteworthy for an author.
- His works have been translated into 43 different languages. He has become a speech writing expert, selling over 70 million books worldwide.
- Coben has also been recognized with several notable awards in the field of literature. For instance, he won the 1996 Anthony Award in the “Best Paperback Original” category for “Deal Breaker,” the first volume of the Myron Bolitar series.
- Coben completed his major in political science from Amherst College, where he met future author Dan Brown while serving as a member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity.
- Interestingly, Coben began his writing in his college years. After graduating, he joined a travel agency owned by his grandfather.
Conclusion:
Among numerous works, the top 10 Harlan Coben books mentioned would serve as an excellent precedent to diving into Netflix’s adaptation of ‘Fool Me Once.’ Each book selected for this list reflects Coben’s flair for storytelling, his deep understanding of human nature, and his acclaimed aptitude for suspense.
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